Artist, Educator and Composer

Kris Johnson is a trumpeter, composer, arranger, film composer, and educator based in Detroit, Michigan. Kris's professional career is expansive for an artist so young, including: composing several musicals, including "Jim Crow's Tears" and "Hastings Street: The Musical"; scoring films, such as the Emmy-nominated web series "King Ester"; producing successful personal projects, such as The Kris Johnson Group, and #looptherapy; and serving as the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band through the Detroit Symphony.

Work With Kris

Compositions

Compositions & Arrangements

Kris Johnson is a versatile composer, arranger, and film composer, currently working on a commissioned work for trumpet and symphony orchestra premiering with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on March 1, 2025. Kris has composed for several musicals, including "Jim Crow's Tears" and "Hastings Street: The Musical"; scoring films, such as the Emmy-nominated web series "King Ester."

Education

University of Michigan & Office Hours

Kris is an Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. He has previously served on faculty at the University of Utah, the Ohio State University, and as the Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School-Detroit from 2022-2024. Kris is also the creator of the digital education series “Office Hours with Kris Johnson”.

Trumpet

Trumpet

Kris has toured globally as a trumpeter with Endea Owens and the Cookout since 2023, and with the esteemed Count Basie Orchestra from 2008-2019 as a soloist and arranger. His collaborations extend to musicians like Wynton Marsalis, Tony Bennett, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Leslie Odom Jr., Wycliffe Gordon, and more.

Upcoming Events

Discography

Kris has contributed to 6 GRAMMY-nominated albums as a trumpeter and arranger, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning "Basie Swings the Blues" by the Count Basie Orchestra. Additionally, Kris has released several projects as a leader including “The Unpaved Road” and his solo project #looptherapy. 

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The arrangements + compositions of Kris Johnson, available to play with your ensemble.