Johnny Russler

Vocals / Lead Guitar / Percussion / Ukulele
Mandolin / Banjo / Tri-Tone Samba Whistle

Johnny Russler was born on December 6th, 1974 in the Southwest 'burbs of Chicago. He started traveling to tropical places as a youngster. All those trips to Florida with his parents sparked the wanderlust in his heart.

One night, a thirteen year old Johnny (& his Mom) went to the Def Leppard show. It was there Johnny knew he wanted, or rather -NEEDED- to play guitar. Was it the 30,000 screaming fans? Was it the screaming guitars?

Was it the show? NO- it was the girl. The girl who exposed herself in front of a young Johnny Russler.

That night Johnny asked his Mom to buy him a guitar. That Christmas his wish came true. That summer Johnny joined his first hair band.

For years Johnny played in the Chicagoland Hair Band Circuit. Voodoo Vibe Tribe was the name of the band.

The Beginnings of a Beach Bum

One night Johnny went to the neighborhood Hooters. That night there was a Jimmy Buffett party. Johnny tapped his foot to that "Margaritaville" song and ate his Chicken Wings.

Days later, while listening to the Jonathan Brandmier Radio Showgram, he heard this song "Fruitcakes." He fell in love with the song. Only to find out that it was Jimmy Buffett. What else was there to do? Johnny needed the music to start him on his path to the beach.

Johnny went out and bought the whole Jimmy Buffett collection. His collection has been growing ever since.

Take a look at Johnny's collection of Jimmy Buffett stuff

Rock n Roll Refugee

After the downfall of Hair Bands Johnny followed his calling. He embraced the beach bum lifestyle. He started traveling to Florida, New Orleans, and the Caribbean. His song writing went from Rock n Roll to Riddim' n Roll. Soon after, he traded in the leather pants for a Hawaiian shirt. After the Hawaiian shirt went got on his skin there was no turning back. With Caribbean music in the stereo and a margarita in one hand, Johnny is a full fledged Rock n Roll Refugee.

"Lazy days and crazy ways are calling me, sitting in a hammock underneath a big palm tree. Some say say it's wasting time but, I call it piece of mind"

-Johnny Russler
"Lazy Days"