In a music genre that was dominated by female artists, Johnny O is one of the most successful male singers in freestyle music. He had more than a few freestyle hits, with his most notable song that most people know him for being “Fantasy Girl.” Johnny O, along with fellow freestyle singer Cynthia have also been credited with the most successful freestyle duet with the song “Dream boy / Dream girl.”
How did Johnny O begin his career?
Johnny O first started in the music business when he met a guy that was a DJ for his uncle. This guy, who was a record rep for Mic Mac Records, heard Johnny sing and liked his voice. He invited Johnny to audition for him and the owner of Sparkle Productions Management. Johnny O accepted, auditioned, and it’s safe to say that they were very impressed with his singing abilities. This was the beginning of Johnny O’s music career.
Top songs from Johnny O
In 1988, Johnny O released his debut album simply titled “Johnny O.” From this album would come a song that will always be a top freestyle classic. “Fantasy Girl” was a huge success and to this day is one of the most popular freestyle songs of all time. Surprisingly, “Fantasy Girl” did not make the U.S. Billboard chart, but it did hit #48 on the U.S. dance chart. The following year, “Memories” and “Highways of love” enjoyed some success with “Memories” hitting #37 on the U.S. dance chart.
Entering the new decade, Johnny O and Cynthia released a duet song called “Dream boy / Dream girl.” The song became an instant hit and peaked at #17 on the U.S. dance chart. The song also hit #53 on the U.S. Billboard chart. The duet song has been treasured and loved by freestyle fans for decades. Chartwise, Johnny O’s most successful song was “Runaway love” which was released n 1993. It charted at #4 on the U.S. dance chart, and besides the Cynthia duet, became the first and only Johnny O song to make the U.S. Billboard chart which it did at #87.
Fun Facts About Johnny O
Where was Johnny O born?
Johnny O was born in Brooklyn, New York
What is Johnny O’s real name?
Johnny Ortiz. Pretty simple concept there. He just shortened his last name to “O.”
Other interesting facts about Johnny O
Johnny O was just one of many young artists that have been taken advantage of by record companies. Even after having multiple hits, Johnny O did not see much money from his songs.
Sometime in the early 1990s, with his contract soon to expire, Johnny O had a meeting with Mic Mac Records. Johnny demanded more money from Mic Mac Records as he was tricked many years earlier into signing a terrible contract. There was no deal, and Johnny O walked out on them. Sometime in the future, Johnny O, his wife and his dancers were physically attacked by the vice president of Mic Mac Records and his boys. Surely experiences like this have made Johnny O stronger in the Lord as he has continued to dedicate his life to music and serving God.
Johnny O became a pastor in the year 2000
Johnny O released an official video of “Fantasy Girl” nearly 30 years later!