Martha Johnson (born December 18, 1950) is a Canadian rock singer, keyboardist, and songwriter. She is best known as the vocalist of the 1980s rock band Martha and the Muffins.
Early life
Johnson was born on December 18, 1950, in Toronto, Ontario.
Career
Johnson worked in Toronto as a medical receptionist.[1] She started her career playing the organ with cover band "Oh Those Pants". She then was part of Toronto band the Doncasters in the early 1970s.[2]
Johnson joined David Millar, Mark and Tim Gane, and Carl Finkle to form the band Martha and the Muffins in 1977.[3] The band, later known as M + M, released an international hit single with "Echo Beach", with Johnson as lead singer.[4] In 1985, she and her husband and bandmate Mark Gane were presented with a CASBY award for their production work with the group.[5]
In 2001, Johnson was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, but continues to perform and to raise awareness in her shows.[7] In 2013, Johnson recorded an album called Solo One with a portion of the proceeds going to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.[8]
In 2016, Johnson participated in the Rock Steady boxing program, which promotes fitness for those living with Parkinson's disease.[9]
In 2022, Johnson provided a pop cultural recommendation in an article appearing in Toronto Life. She recommended watching Ricky Gervais' After Life television series on Netflix.[10]
