“"Rivera spent some time playing with Norman Brown and like his old buddy singing while playing a crazy-ass guitar comes easy. The sense of cool on this album also makes it top-shelf." — John Beaudin, Smooth Jazz Now” - John Beaudin
— John Beaudin
Johnny J Rivera
Add "A blend of soulful melody and sophisticated rhythm, bringing a fresh voice to instrumental jazz."
Johnny J Rivera is an accomplished composer, guitarist, and music producer who brings a distinctive, chart-ready sound to contemporary smooth jazz. His music is defined by a soulful blend of sophisticated arrangements, R&B grooves, and melodic hooks, drawing influence from icons like Steely Dan and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Rivera’s talent was recognized early on when he was personally selected by jazz guitar legend Norman Brown to play in his band while studying at the Musicians Institute. A former session musician and sound designer, Johnny has extensive performance history, including a #1 smooth jazz hit with his single "Lady Cab Driver." His new single, "They Don’t Know I Like You," is a polished, vibrant track that is positioning him as a major voice in the smooth jazz format.
Born in Central California and raised in Southern California, Johnny J Rivera’s musical journey is built on a diverse foundation. Drawing initial inspiration from artists as wide-ranging as The Beatles, Heatwave, and country legends Willie Nelson and George Strait, he honed his craft at the Musicians Institute, studying guitar with the acclaimed Frank Gambale. His production talents were also noted by esteemed Producer/Mixer/Engineer Eric Sarafin, further validating his multifaceted abilities in the studio.
Rivera's style—a potent fusion of R&B, Pop, and smooth jazz—was critically affirmed by his association with Norman Brown, a major figure in the genre. This exposure cemented his standing as an artist with the chops to deliver both instrumental virtuosity and memorable vocal melodies. His acclaimed album, Trying To Catch Rain, featured the single "Lady Cab Driver," which climbed to #1 on smooth jazz charts—a rare accomplishment for an independent artist.
Beyond the charts, Johnny is an established performer and media professional. His live experience includes playing for over 10,000 people in Downtown Los Angeles (televised on Telemundo NBC), touring as a guitarist for The Gregg Austin M-Town and More Show, and frequently performing on the Las Vegas Strip at venues like Blake Shelton's Ole Red. Offstage, he has a growing reputation in sound design, lending his expertise to an animated series and earning an official IMDb credit as Sound Designer for the podcast series Sketchus Maximus (2025).
With the release of new singles like "They Don't Know I Like You," Rivera is focused squarely on his original material. In addition to composition and performance, he is launching a new YouTube channel, Johnny's Music Garage, to share over 25 years of industry experience, covering studio gear reviews and providing insights into breaking into the Las Vegas music scene. Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned this Fall for more releases that promise his unique sound that is both fresh and familiar.
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