For Whit Johnson, retirement did not mean slowing down creatively. It opened the door to something new. Music had always been a source of comfort, joy, and reflection, but after retiring, he decided to explore songwriting alongside another passion, writing books. What began as a hobby quickly became a creative outlet that allowed him to experiment, learn, and tell stories without worrying about fitting into a particular musical category.
His journey through music has been guided by curiosity. Looking back, Johnson realized that his first album naturally leaned toward 1970s soft rock, even though that was not a sound he consciously set out to create. Since then, he has continued to explore different directions, releasing the reggae-influenced single “Island Therapy (for Jimmy)” and most recently stepping into a heavier sound with “Love of the Light (the LoKiRe side),” a song with a distinct 1970s hard rock influence. For Johnson, the fun is in discovering where an idea can take him.
The learning curve has been part of the experience. From understanding song structures and chord progressions to figuring out how each piece fits together, Johnson has taught himself plenty along the way. His biggest personal challenge, however, has been accepting his own voice. Early on, he often brought other singers into his songs, uncertain about his vocal ability. Over time, he came to an important realization: his voice does not need to sound like anyone else’s to belong in his music. It simply needs to be honest.
One unexpected moment showed him just how far a song can travel. A track from his first album, “Good Cop Bad Cop,” unexpectedly gained attention in Italy. Johnson still does not know exactly how it happened, but the experience was a reminder that music can reach people in places you never expect. Still, the moments that mean the most to him are often closer to home. Hearing that a friend or family member connected with something he created remains deeply rewarding, especially because many of his songs are written with the people around him in mind.
Johnson is not chasing the traditional music industry path. He shares his work primarily through Facebook and lets the music find its own audience. If a song reaches beyond his immediate circle, he considers it a welcome bonus. Along the way, he has also learned an important lesson about criticism. The people closest to you sometimes see you through the version of yourself they have always known, while strangers simply hear the music for what it is. That experience shaped the advice he would give his younger self: be yourself, create without fear, and do not let other people’s expectations decide what you are capable of becoming.
With his new single “Love of the Light (the LoKiRe side)” now ready to share, Johnson is continuing to create at his own pace. He sees the next year much like the life he values now: spending time with friends and family, volunteering, supporting environmental causes, and making music because he genuinely loves the process. Whit Johnson is not chasing a reinvention. He is enjoying the freedom to finally create without asking permission.
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