Soon
to be heading back to the studio soon
to record a new album, Contemporary Christian Rock artist Johnny Ramirez hopes
to repeat his success after two decades of local and international stardom.
The 35-year-old not only sings and plays
guitar, but he also pens his own songs. “I
get my inspiration from what God puts in my heart,” the San Antonio resident
says. He shares his talent with other national and international
artists. Ramirez recently wrote
“I Promise” for Sony Discos Christian artist, Jackie Velasquez, which is
featured on her popular “Heavenly Places” CD.
Sometimes, those songs may not fully express Christian symbols, but they
have a religious
spiritual meaning. “Some religious people may consider your work
un-Christian if you don’t mention Jesus or the Lord,” Ramirez says.
“But my pastor reminded me of how a disciple asked Jesus, ‘Why do you
always talk to the people in parables?’ And Jesus responded, ‘Because there
are those out there who are
searching They
will hear and understand.’ God
has given me something to say. If
you listen carefully you’ll hear it.
That is why I write songs the way I do.”
Singing
since he was five, Ramirez grew up traveling with his migrant family all over
America, establishing
starting churches and performing Christian tunes to the masses in both
English and Spanish. By the time he was 17, he had already established his
first band, The Image.
In
1989, Ramirez’ group nabbed “Group of the Year” award and Ramirez
himself was named “Musician of the Year” by the Mexican American Gospel
Music Association. After going
solo, Ramirez would earn a “Male Vocalist” award by the Association in 1992,
along with the “Song of the Year” award.
By
the mid-1990's, Ramirez was playing live concerts in both the United States and
Mexico. He started his own label in 1995, Psalmist Song International. The
label’s first album was “El Corazón del Salmista”, a praise and
worship album. It that
was recorded live in Spanish in Monterrey, and did so well it became a
victim of its own popularity.
“That
album sold a lot in Mexico,” he says, “distributors were calling from
everywhere in Latin America. The record distributor I had in Mexico City called
me one day to ask if I had another distributor in Mexico City.
I told him no. Then he proceeded
to tell me that my album must have been bootlegged . . . an estimated 60,000
copies were floating around the market!
At first I was shocked, but then I thought it was pretty cool. My stuff was good enough to steal.”
Although
he wants to eventually reach success in America’s Christian Contemporary music
scene, Ramirez is prepared for the pitfalls bestowed upon its artists.
“In this scene, you are ‘damned
if you do, damned if you don’t,’” admits Ramirez.
“You have a devoted
audience," says Ramirez, but if you write a song that is not
religious enough or have the desire to crossover to mainstream, you are
might be considered a sell out.”
Today, Ramirez enjoys a comfortable life
with his wife, Maria, of 11 years, 8-year-old son, Azariah, and 2-year-old
daughter, Jubilee. His passion for
music is also
stronger than ever. Ramirez is
ready to go back in the studio and is considering offers from various music
labels. He currently plays on tours he
embarks on for four to six months
out of the year. In
San Antonio, Ramirez is the music Worship Leader at the Church of Acts located
on 9965 Kriewald Road.