New Zealand-born, L.A.-based crooner Sammy Johnson is back, bringing the kind of smooth, soul-drenched vibes that get under your skin and stay there.
His latest single, “All Night,” just dropped via tastemaker label Mensch House Records, and it’s a masterclass in groove. With production duo Louis and Cameron Bartolini laying down a rich sonic landscape, Johnson’s signature vocals—somewhere between the honeyed charisma of Frank Sinatra and the soul-stirring depth of Lauryn Hill—take center stage.
Sammy Johnson: A Voice and a Movement
Johnson isn’t just another voice in the crowd; he’s a movement. A force of nature with a storyteller’s heart, the Maori-Polynesian artist’s blend of island reggae, soul, and jazz feels like a warm embrace. From the early days of viral YouTube fame—his breakout hit “Don’t Say Goodbye” racked up over 31 million plays—to selling out venues across the U.S., Sammy Johnson has carved out his own lane in the modern island sound. From touring with genre heavyweights like Common Kings and The Green to headlining the massive One Love Music Festival—where 15,000 fans hung on every note—Sammy Johnson has become a must-see live act. He leads the charge alongside contemporaries like J Boog and reggae veterans such as Katchafire, pushing Pacific Island music to new heights.
From Social Work to Stardom
But he wasn’t always living the dream. Before music took over, Johnson was just a social worker with a penchant for content creation. The instant success and virality of “Don’t Say Goodbye” was a game-changer, leading to a deal with Island Empire Records (home to Common Kings, Tenelle, and Fiji) and an all-in commitment to his craft.
A Decade of Musical Legacy
Sammy Johnson recently commemorated the 10th anniversary of his now-classic debut album Prelude by reissuing the fan-favorite LP on 180g vinyl, its first-ever release on wax. The album is officially certified Platinum in New Zealand, and his 2020 single “For Your Love” from the Cool and Easy album is officially certified Gold.
With “All Night,” Johnson continues to push his sound forward, proving that his blend of reggae, soul, and jazz is as timeless as ever.
