From having over 500 million streams, to being named Canada’s “Guitarist of the Year,” to winning eight “Best Album” awards, to seven top-ten US Billboard charting albums, and winning the “People’s Choice” award in the UK, Johannes Linstead has become recognized internationally as one of the best selling guitarists in the Instrumental, New Age, Jazz and World Music genres.
Johannes’ vibrant music brings together musicians from many diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Cuba, Greece, Palestine, France, Canada, Australia, Iran, and the Dominican Republic. Upbeat rumbas and emotional ballads are fused with Latin percussion, and the occasional violin, piano, and accordion add distinct spices to his colorful albums.
Chances are even if you don’t know the name you’ve heard his music. Johannes’ songs have been used in some of the most popular TV shows, such as Miami Housewives, Californication, The Following with Kevin Bacon, Burn Notice, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, Pawn Stars, Person of Interest, and many others. World champion figure skater Stephane Lambiel used Johannes’ song “Zabuca” as part of his choreography during the Winter Olympics, and several of Johannes’ songs were featured in hugely popular video game Tropico 4 and 5.
In December 2019, Johannes’ holiday song, Tropical Christmas, became a verified hit on US radio, charting at #1 for two weeks as “Most Added” song on the Top 40 New Music Weekly chart, and #1 “Most Increased” song, putting him ahead of artists like Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, and Justin Bieber.
The group consists of congas, accordion, bass and Spanish guitars, creating a rare on-stage chemistry that moves audiences to their feet, clapping along with the music and occasionally shouting out “ole!” Johannes’ legendary concerts have brought the group as far as the Middle-East, performing for royalty in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Together, Johannes and his group set the stage on fire as they let loose a fiesta of Afro-Cuban percussion and Spanish guitar magic.
