Nationally known music director, composer, arranger and American patriot Johnny Mann will serve as guest choir director at Brainerd Presbyterian Church Sunday, May 18, at the 10:45 a.m. service.
Last month the Johnny Mann Singers released their latest CD recording, “One Nation Under God.” The Brainerd Presbyterian Choir will present the world premiere of the title song on May 18, with the composer conducting.
Music Director Dr. Tom Hammett said, “It is a great honor to have someone of Mr. Mann’s national prominence direct our choir. I can’t think of anyone who has had more influence on my interest in choral music than Johnny Mann. I have admired his work since 1967.”
Mr. Mann’s appearance will culminate a series of four guest artists at Brainerd Presbyterian this month. Mr. Mann will lead the choir in five of his arrangements/compositions: “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus,” Sweet Hour of Prayer,” “Quiet Time,” and “One Nation Under God.”
Review for Johnny Mann:
Johnny Mann is best known for the 39 albums he arranged and conducted for his Johnny Mann Singers resulting in five Grammy award nominations and two Grammy awards. He is a composer, arranger, conductor, entertainer and recording star. His group of super-talented young singers appeared with him in Chevrolet's weekly syndicated series, "Stand Up and Cheer," which enjoyed a three-year run on national TV and many tours around the country.
Along with being musical director of the original "Alvin and The Chipmunks" TV series, he sang the voice of "Theodore." Mr. Mann has worked over the years with George Gobel, Johnny Mathis, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Julie London, Steve Allen, and was Danny Kaye's conductor on a 12-week tour.
With limitless energy and enthusiasm, Mr. Mann sincerely espouses the positive and good of America through his entertainment. He was invited to perform at The White House twice during President Nixon's reign.
Mr. Mann's devotion to his country has made him the recipient of four consecutive awards from The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, top awards from The Disabled American Veterans, The Medal of Honor from The National DAR, The Silver Helmet Award from the AM VETS, The National Honor Medal from The Veterans of Foreign Wars, and numerous citations from The American Legion. Mr. Mann has appeared twice as Guest Conductor of the world famous United States Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants in Constitution Hall, Washington, D.C.
Mr. Mann has composed, arranged and produced hundreds of radio and TV product commercials, and is well-known for his original radio station I.D. Jingle Packages such as 93 KHJ "Boss Radio," KFWB Channel 98, K-EARTH 101 (KRTH) in Los Angeles, and a multitude of other stations in cities around the United States, as well as Canada, Taiwan, Honolulu and Australia. Recently, he produced jingles for The ABC Radio Network and the 145 affiliated "Oldies" format stations.
Active in many charities, Mr. Mann has hosted eight celebrity golf tournaments. He resides in Anderson, S.C. with his wife, Betty. In 2000, he produced a CD for The National Senior Olympics Games, "Let The Games Begin."
Brainerd Presbyterian Church is located at 1624 Jenkins Road, just off East Brainerd Road.
Johnny Mann and Dr. Tom Hammett