Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Johansen is the son of Norwegian parents Egil Johansen, a jazz musician, and Ellen Böbak, a jazz singer.[1] He began his musical career as a drummer, but later chose to become a singer.[2][3]
On 23 February 2001, Johansen competed in the final of Melodifestivalen 2001. He placed 4th with his song "Ingenmansland".[1] Later that year, it was announced that Johansen would be competing in Melodifestivalen 2002 with the song "Sista andetaget".[7] After qualifying to the final through the Winners' Choice round, he finished in 7th place.[8][9]
In 2003, in collaboration with Pernilla Wahlgren, Johansen competed in Melodifestivalen for a third consecutive year with the song "Let Your Spirit Fly".[1] The song qualified from the first semi-final, later placing second in the final behind Fame.[10]
In 2013, Johansen published his autobiography, Med nya ögon, in collaboration with Colette van Luik.[2]
In 2014, Johansen collaborated with the Swedish producer Tord "Diztord" Bäckström to record and release the song "Some Things", which was released on Diztord's album "I Am".
Alongside Linnea Henriksson, he performed his song "Se på mig" during the interval of the first semi-final of Melodifestivalen 2020.[11] Whilst preparing for his performance, Johansen entered negotiations with Sveriges Television (SVT) to perform the competing entry "Miraklernas tid", as the original artist, Thorsten Flinck, was disqualified from the competition.[12] On 3 February, it was confirmed that Johansen would compete in the contest.[13] He was eliminated in the second semi-final, finishing in last place with a total of 8 points.[14]
In 2021, Johansen was elected into the Melodifestivalen Hall of Fame.[15] After the coronavirus pandemic cancelled Johansen's gigs, including an anniversary concert at the Vasateatern, he started working as a substitute teacher of music at Vattmyraskolan in Järfälla.[16]
^ abLandström, Lars (3 April 2013). "Jan Johansen med nya nyktra ögon" [Jan Johansen with new sober eyes]. Allehanda (in Swedish). Retrieved 4 April 2024.
^Borneskan's, Fredrik (14 April 2013). "Från Se på mig till att se med nya ögon" [From Look at me to seeing with new eyes]. Sundsvalls Tidning (in Swedish). Retrieved 4 April 2024.
