Jack Johnson
The surfer-musician from Hawaii
Origins and early years
Jack Hody Johnson was born on May 18, 1975, in Oahu, Hawaii. A promising professional surfer, he turned to music after a serious surfing accident at the age of 17. He studied film at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Acoustic success
His debut album, Brushfire Fairytales (2001), blends folk, surf rock, and acoustic reggae. In Between Dreams (2005) reached number two on the Billboard 200 thanks to the single “Better Together”.
Sleep Through the Static (2008) debuted directly at number one in the United States.
Jack Johnson is also a filmmaker: he directed the surf films Thicker Than Water (2003) and A Brokedown Melody (2004), combining his music with images of travel and waves. His albums are regularly recorded in a solar-powered studio in Hawaii, reflecting his environmental values.
Commitment and legacy
Jack Johnson is a dedicated environmental activist. He donates a significant portion of his touring revenue to environmental causes through his Kokua Hawaii Foundation. He has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide.
Iconic guitar
Jack Johnson mainly plays Cole Clark acoustic guitars, especially the Fat Lady model, as well as acoustic Martin guitars.
