— Jessica & Daniel, Wedding
“Incredible! Our guests danced all night to Chris and his live band!!!.”
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about me-cj
Chris "CJ" Johnson is a Nashville-based artist, entrepreneur, and licensed general contractor whose career bridges music, business, and community impact.
His musical journey began early, earning Top Tenor honors in Anaheim, California, receiving a choir scholarship, and winning Best Song at the Mid-South Fair Talent Competition in Memphis at just 18 years old.
Chris went on to tour internationally as bassist for the rock band Ingram Hill during their Cold in California tour. Following that opportunity, he auditioned for Shinedown as bassist for their Sound of Madness tour. While he wasn't selected, the experience was a pivotal moment in his career and one he considers a true blessing.
Determined to keep pursuing music, Chris later spent nearly 90 days in Hollywood competing on The Voice. Although he didn't receive a chair turn during the Blind Auditions, the experience only strengthened his resolve. After returning home, his mother encouraged him to attend the American Idol cattle call auditions in Oxford, Mississippi—a decision that would change his life.
Chris went on to become a Top 24 finalist on the farewell season of American Idol, where his audition reached more than 2.4 million viewers within its first 24 hours, introducing his powerful blend of rock, country, and soul to audiences across the country.
He is the founder of the Memphis-based rock band American Fiction™, whose debut album Dumb Luck was recorded with legendary producer Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones), marking one of the defining milestones of his recording career.
With 100+ professional recording sessions under his belt, Chris has developed extensive experience as both a performer and producer. He owns and operates Crow's Nest Studios™ in Midtown Nashville, a creative hub for artists, songwriters, and producers. The studio also serves as the home of Center Stage Foundation™, providing a space where aspiring musicians can access mentorship, professional recording opportunities, and creative development.
Outside of music, Chris co-founded Rock and Roll Roofing & Renovations™, a licensed general contracting company, alongside Memphis musician Adam Quinn, helping grow the business into a multi-million-dollar company. He also leads Center Stage Construction™, the commercial division of Rock and Roll Roofing & Renovations™, serving clients across multiple states.
Chris is also the founder of the alternative rock project Modern Ghost™, co-founder of the pop/alternative act JMYSTRO™ with musician Mike Sweep, and owner of the lifestyle apparel brand Country Boy Outfitters™.
Driven by a passion for giving back, Chris founded Center Stage Foundation™, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through music, mentorship, and real-world creative opportunities. Through Center Stage Foundation™ and Crow's Nest Studios™, he continues to invest in the next generation of artists by creating opportunities that extend far beyond the stage.
To learn more about Center Stage Foundation™, please visit www.takecenterstage.info.
For booking, media inquiries, speaking engagements, partnership opportunities, or to learn more about Center Stage Foundation™, please contact cj@centerstagefoundation.info.
Packages
Simple packages, tailored to your needs.
Basic
Perfect for intimate weddings and private parties or backyard parties.
Up to 3 hours •
1 sound system
SOLO/DUO ACOUSTIC OR ACOUSTIC/PIANO
Full Band
Our go‑to package for weddings & corporate events
Up to 4 hours
Everything in Basic package
Separate sound for ceremony or cocktail hour
Pre‑event planning call and timeline review
Crows Nest Studio
BOOK NOW- 615-779-3799
Located in the heart of midtown Nashville. Contact us for more info. Full loft available for rent with recording packages. Book a day session with Chris and his songwriting team or come stay until your artistic views come to life. CREATIVE SPACE? PODCAST? SHORT-TERM PRIVATE MUSICAN LIVING IN THE HEART OF MIDTOWN minutes from downtown Nashville.
about us
MAKE AN IMPACT .
At the intersection of music, culture, and purpose stands a vision built from the ground up—driven by passion, discipline, and a commitment to making real
Crow’s Nest Studios is more than a recording space—it’s a creative headquarters. Located in the heart of Nashville, it’s where artists, producers, and visionaries come to build sound, shape identity, and push boundaries. Every record, every session, and every idea that comes through these walls is rooted in authenticity and elevated by experience.
Behind it all is Chris Johnson —artist, entrepreneur, and builder—bringing together years of performance, production, and business leadership to create something bigger than music alone.
But the mission doesn’t stop in the studio.
Center Stage Foundation was created to take that same energy and give it back to the next generation.
We believe every kid deserves a shot—
a voice, an instrument, a mentor, a moment.
Through Center Stage Foundation, we provide:
Instruments and resources to underserved youth
Mentorship from real artists and industry professionals
Access to real studio environments like Crow’s Nest
A platform to build confidence, purpose, and direction
This isn’t charity—it’s opportunity.
Together, Crow’s Nest Studios and Center Stage Foundation represent two sides of the same vision:
👉 Create at the highest level
👉 Give back at the deepest level
We’re building more than music.
We’re building confidence.
We’re building futures.
Empowering voices. Building confidence. Changing lives.
Testimonials
What our clients say
Real words from couples, teams and hosts who trusted us with their most important nights.
— Marvin H., Artist Manager
“Professional throughout. From start to finish The sound setup for our session and the whole experience was incredible for our artist. Highly recommend.”
— Sarah T., Private Event
“Chris and Chris came in and put on wonderful acoustic performance for us!”