Cholson: The Grit and Groove of Modern Blues-Rock

Cholson is a dynamic blues-rock artist from Chicago, Illinois, known for his raw guitar work and soulful vocals. His major label debut album, 'Crossfire', achieved Gold certification in the United States and peaked at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Early career

Born in 1985, Michael "Cholson" Johnson began his musical journey in the vibrant clubs of Chicago's South Side. He honed his craft through relentless live performances, self-releasing his first EP, 'Southside Slide', in 2009 through a local independent label, Windy City Soundworks.

This early work caught the attention of regional critics, leading to opening slots for established touring acts. His full-length independent album, 'Gutter Gospel', followed in 2012 and established his signature sound of traditional blues structures infused with modern rock energy.

Breakthrough

Cholson's breakthrough arrived in 2016 with his major label debut on Riverside Records. The album 'Crossfire' was a critical and commercial success, driven by its powerful lead single and extensive touring.

The single "Devil's Handshake" became a staple on rock radio, propelling the album to Gold status and a top 15 Billboard position. This success solidified his transition from a respected local act to a nationally recognized artist in the blues-rock genre.

Key tracks

Devil's Handshake — This breakthrough single defined his sound and became his first track to top the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.

Crossfire — The title track from his Gold-certified album showcases his potent blend of searing guitar solos and lyrical storytelling.

Mojo Wire — A fan-favorite deep cut celebrated for its extended live improvisation and classic blues shuffle rhythm.

Borrowed Time — This 2020 collaboration with veteran singer Dana Andrews demonstrated his growth as a songwriter and crossover appeal.

Following the success of 'Crossfire', Cholson maintained a rigorous touring schedule, headlining theaters and appearing at major festivals like Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits. His 2020 follow-up, 'Iron River', debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200, featuring a collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Sylvia Vance.

His most recent work includes the 2023 EP 'Live at the Tabernacle', which captures the intense energy of his concert performances. Cholson continues to be a prolific force, consistently praised for keeping the spirit of blues-rock alive for a new generation of listeners.

Fans of the raw, guitar-driven style of Gary Clark Jr will appreciate Cholson's modern blues fusion. The working-class rock anthems of The Black Keys share a similar gritty ethos. Listeners drawn to the soulful vocals and fiery licks of Marcus King will find a kindred spirit in Cholson's music.

Cholson's music maintains strong rotation on classic rock FM stations and modern rock radio stations across the network. His tracks are frequently featured on dedicated blues-rock programs and independent music radio stations that champion guitar-driven artistry.

You can hear the powerful music of Cholson on the blues-rock and classic rock radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover his catalog and experience the raw energy that defines his celebrated career.