Bio

Cortez Johnson, a native Tulsan, has played bass professionally for over 40 years. During that time Cortez has recorded, toured and/or performed with numerous artist including Arthur Thompson, Ann Bell, Toni Estes, Lalo  Shefrin, Jamie Oldaker, Pat More, Fred Smith, Darrell Evans, Eldredge Jackson, Grady Nichols, the late Earl Clark and Rick Morrow, and The late Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame Legacy Tribute Award winner, Jazz Vocalist Brenda Johnson who was his wife of 32 years. Cortez has shared the stage or opened for Wayman Tisdale, Cameo, Najee, Gladys Knight,  Huey Lewis and the News, Natalie Cole and the O’Jays. Currently, Cortez is a member of the worship team at Redeemer Church Tulsa.

In 2009, he received a bachelor of arts degree with a minor in business from The University of Tulsa. Cortez has traveled to London, England where he worked with various UK musicians from Eastern Europe, The Caribbeans, and India through Diroma Arts Center. Cortez‘ musical influences are Abraham Laboriel, Ron Carter, Marcus Miller, Anthony Jackson, Fred Hammond, Nathan East and Tulsa’s own Cecil McBee, Robert Wilson, Wayman Tisdale, Emzie Parker III, and Boby Eaton.