Is It Rolling, Bob?

Bob Johnston

Rest In Peace

"It wasn't just a matter of turning on the machines. He created an atmosphere in the studio that really invited you to do your best, stretch out, do another take, an atmosphere that was free from judgment, free from criticism, full of invitation, full of affirmation. Just the way he'd move while you were singing: He'd dance for you. So, it wasn't all just as laissez­faire as that. Just as art is the concealment of art, laissez­faire is the concealment of tremendous generosity that he was sponsoring in the studio." -Leonard Cohen

"Johnston had fire in his eyes. He had that thing that some people call 'momentum.' You could see it in his face and he shared that fire, that spirit. Columbia's leading folk and country producer, he was born one hundred years too late. He should have been wearing a wide cape, a plumed hat, and riding with his sword held high. Johnston disregarded any warning that might get in his way... Johnston lived on low country barbecue, and he was all charm." -Bob Dylan