Bio
Eric D. Johnson, aka Smash, is an American producer-composer-pianist born and raised in Detroit, Mi. Hailing from a family of musicians Eric's fascination with music sprouted at the age of 9 and rapidly progressed. He started off playing trumpet, which then lead to learning percussion and ultimately prompted him to immerse himself into piano.
Throughout his high school years he attended the Detroit School of Arts (DSA), an institute known for producing some of Detroit's premier talent. There he studied and mastered the trumpet, organ, and piano in both classical and jazz. Continually seeking ways to challenge himself , he joined DSA's Symphony Orchestra. He travelled across the United States and various parts of the UK with the ensemble. Among their most notable performances he had the prestigious honor of performing at New York's world famous Carnegie Hall.
As his popularity grew Eric began touring with and playing behind major R&B sensations such as Charlie Wilson and the "Gap Band", Musiq Soulchild, As well as world renowned gospel recording artists: Vickie Winans, Byron Cage, Damita Haddon and more. But his musicianship wouldn't be the only thing commanding attention. His ongoing drive further ignited his passion and propelled him to delve into music creation which inevitably served as a catalyst for his evolution from musician to a full fledged composer/producer.
Self taught Eric spent tireless hours honing his craft and amassing an array of skills that would prepare him for the path ahead. Utilizing his classical training to acquire a profound understanding of song structure, harmonies and arrangements. Carefully dissecting various genres of music from HIP HOP/R&B, to EDM to Rhythms of the Caribbean, Eric's sound began to transform into something that would come to place him among some of the entertainment industry's elite.
He worked alongside Marshall Bruce Mathers III professionally known as Eminem and was credited for his work on the hit single "Forever". The song featured Eminem along with Hip Hop's heavy hitters; Drake, Kanye West and Lil Wayne. It peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop charts and sold upwards of 3.2 million digital copies worldwide. Following the success of the song, Eric went on to produce the sultry ballad "Request" for R&B sensation Teyana Taylor's Debut album.
Showing no signs of slowing down Eric donated his musical contributions to ABC's hit tv show Black-ish, for their 2017 fall season 4 premiere episode "Juneteenth". The composition "Freedom" was the episode's title track. Where Eric's credits included organist and drum programmer. The song went on to receive numerous accolades, which included winning a guild of music supervisors award for best song/recording for T.V.
