A Chat with Molly Johnson (02.02.26)
Interview with Karen Beishuizen (Guest contributor)
Molly Johnson is a Canadian singer of pop and jazz. Her brother is actor/director Clark Johnson, and her sister Taborah is an actress and singer. We talk about her family, her career, Kumbaya Festival, Lady Diana, Kensington Market Jazz Festival and more.
Did you always want to be a singer growing up?
Molly Johnson: No, I did not want to be a singer as a child; I did not grow up dreaming of that. I grew up in the business, working, not dreaming. Lots of fun as a kid.
You come from a talented family: Taborah is a singer too, and Clark is an actor/director. Have you ever thought about doing something together? And if yes, what?
Molly Johnson: Yes, my brother Clark Johnson is a very accomplished actor and director, and my sister Taborah Johnson is also a very accomplished actor and singer. We have very different careers, and when we are together, it’s about family, not work. That said, we are all very supportive of each other. We started together as children in the theatre and television business in Toronto, Canada.
You played in bands as a singer and backing vocalist, but also released solo albums: What do you like the best? Solo or as part of a band, and why?
Molly Johnson: I have always been a collaborative band member! I have had this most recent trio for over 25 years. We write records and produce collaboratively. I am a team player, not interested in or driven by the spotlight. I am simply trying to write great songs and to surround myself with the best musicians.
Kumbaya Festival: What is it about?
Molly Johnson: This was a fundraiser to raise money to build hospice care and educate young people during the HIV/AIDS era. People were dying; there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS. Over 8 million dollars was raised over 4 years.
You performed in front of then Prince Charles, Princess Diana and Nelson Mandela on board the Royal Yacht Britannia. How was that, and did you get to meet them?
Molly Johnson: I met with Lady Diana and many others around the HIV/AIDS issues. I continue to do this work. I had dinner as well on the Royal Britania; it was a wonderful night. I met with Nelson Mandela a few times around the issues of Arts Against Apartheid and other civil rights issues.
Please note that being a singer is merely a tool to get me in the door to do the real work. I love writing songs and collaborating with other artists to sing protest songs to spread joy and positivity, to use my art, my platform, to affect change. That is the work of an artist!
What is The Black History Project?
Molly Johnson: The Canadian Black History project is a website to be used as a tool by teachers across Canada to support their work teaching Canadian Black History. We have a history different from the USA, and there is a need to tell our stories.
Kensington Market Jazz Festival celebrated 10 years last September. You are the engine behind it. How did you start this, and how do you feel 10 years later?
Molly Johnson: Kensington Jazz is a very beloved festival in the heart of Toronto in a heritage neighborhood. I love building up this festival every year with an incredible team of people. Currently, we are working to create the 2026 edition of the festival, which will be on 18, 19 and 20 September.
What are you currently up to?
Molly Johnson: I am currently working on a new album for Universal Music: writing, recording and releasing. If you go to my website, there are 3 new songs available now. I hope you enjoy the new music. Thank you for your interest.
Thanks to Molly Johnson for speaking to us. Find out more about Molly on her official website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify.
