Kriti Mehrotra
Ever since Michael Johnson was a young boy, he aspired to be a part of the entertainment industry, unaware a chance encounter with music mogul Lou Pearlman would change his life. This much, along with more, has been explored in Netflix’s ‘Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam,’ wherein the former himself details his ups and downs with the now-disgraced talent manager. However, what’s imperative to note is that despite everything, he has truly managed to achieve wonders as not just a singer but also a drummer plus overall performer in every sense of the word.
Michael Johnson Kickstarted His Career Early
It was reportedly back when Michael was merely a 4-year-old boy growing up in Orlando, Florida, that he first developed a keen interest in the art of dancing, only for it to turn his life around. After all, he quickly realized he wished to pursue a career in the same, which he then managed to do within a few years before also winning several awards, competitions, plus scholarships. Then, at the age of 8, this already hardworking Disney feature star began dabbling in the world of musical theater, where he got to hone his technical skills to such an extent he became a singer.
However, it was when Michael was attending a tap dancing class at the age of 11 that his dreams began to realize as he came across Lou Pearlman, and told him he was going to be a star. He knew the latter from local news, so he didn’t hesitate to introduce himself, unaware they would meet again a few years later when he would tour his middle school alongside Backstreet Boys. This talent executive actually recognized him, following which one thing led to another, and this Mr. Dance of Florida plus Teen Dancer of the Year became a member of the Natural band.
Michael Johnson and Lou Pearlman Worked Closely For Years
While Lou reportedly did not create Natural, he did sign them to his TransContinental record label with the idea that their look and feel would be different from what he had already perfected. He stipulated that they would retain the title of a boyband, yet members would also play instruments, leading Michael to pick up drumming since he was among the only ones who did not already play an instrument — his experience in tap dancing helped too. But alas, following many records, some internal issues between the band’s whole team, a hiatus, and some members’ desire to move on in their personal lives, Natural disbanded for good in 2004.
That’s when Michael began working with other bands, dabbled in production, and also created a lot of new music before finally finding his calling with the New Beats Fund band as a drummer. He has actually been signed by Blue Suede Records since 2005, but he ostensibly briefly engaged in business with his former manager again, just to soon realize he was being taken advantage of. The duo was admittedly in Bali, Indonesia, when the former realized his credit cards were the ones being used because there was a federal case against Lou, on the grounds of him being a conman.
Michael was well aware of Lou’s past legal troubles, but since no case had ever stuck, he thought things would work out this time around too, that is, until he saw the latter forge a document. “I’m sitting next to him in this business center, and he’s sketching away,” the former said in the show, “… then he picks up the paper and shows it to me, and he says ‘Does this look real to you?’ It said ‘German Savings Bank’ on it.” It turns out, he’d hand-drawn this logo to get a $1 million loan from Bank of America, which was granted – that’s when Michael knew Lou was involved in something shady and promptly returned home, only to later keep in touch via calls and prison visits until the end. It is only now that he understands the extent of how his “best friend” “was a monster” who stole without any remorse, per the show.
Michael Johnson is a Proud Partner, Uncle, and Dog Dad
While music is a significant part of Michael’s life to this day, his other priority seems to be his personal relationships, especially those he shares with his girlfriend, siblings, niblings, and pets. In fact, he’s especially close with his nieces, whom he even refers to as his goddaughters, and often cares for all his siblings’ and friends’ other children to help him prepare for his future family. Then there are his two dogs, who reside with him in his Palm Springs, California, home as he continues to live a life of rock and roll, all the while dabbling in his other interests of traveling and outdoor activities too.
As for Michael’s relationship, he has had a happy, healthy, loving bond with actress Anna Camp (‘Pitch Perfect’) since 2020, and neither of them shy away from sharing their romance online. In fact, on their four-year anniversary in early March this year, he penned, in part, “I remember walking into our first date somehow knowing it was going to change everything. As I sat down, the booth collapsed under me, and I spilled the damn salsa. These are the pivotal moments that define a person’s life. Safe to say I fell for you right there and, amidst the laughter, a full bowl of salsa was delivered for a fresh and spicy start to a whole new beginning… I love you more than I love leather jackets… and nobody thought that would ever be possible.”
Read More: Tammie Hilton: Where is Lou Pearlman’s Nurse Now?
