Life is a Cabaret My Friend…

 

By Ralph Depalma

 

Maj Johnson was raised in Victor, New York.  In high school, she played eight instruments, including piano, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and glockenspiel in marching band. Seeking adventure, she moved to Key West in 1998 just after Hurricane George. A year later, she joined the Keys Chorale.  Then Musical Director Dean Walters helped her tremendously, as did Larry Smith and his Showcase at the Pier House.  From these experiences, Maj gained confidence singing and performing and learned a great deal about musicianship.

 

 

Maj, Laurie Breakwell, Frances Edge, and Heather Carruthers formed a quartet called Swing Low.  The four altos had a great blend and it was the most fun Maj ever had just rehearsing.  Maj performed at the Tennessee Williams Theater in 2005 in a tribute to Rosemary Clooney, and again in 2012 in a show called Simply Sassy honoring Sarah Vaughn. Maj credits Melody Cooper for helping her vocal career.  Maj feels she started singing late in life. When Shirley Freeman, former Mayor of Key West and member of a historic Keys family, joined the Keys Chorale and told a much younger Maj that she was an inspiration to her, Maj was overwhelmed.

 

 

In a recent concert titled “At Last” held at Key West United Methodist Church Maj with a 7 piece orchestra and two other vocalists, celebrated the music of Etta James. It was a special Key West music event. Maj was married in the same church in 2013 and the reception was held in the lobby of the Tennessee Williams Theater. The reception turned into a memorable cabaret with good friend and mentor Larry Smith and a dozen or more vocalist and musician friends performing Maj’s favorite music.

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