Johnny Todd began his professional musical career at age 16, following his prize-winning performance in a national talent contest in his native Australia. He immediate;y found himself busy with professional performances on radio, television and jazz concerts while continuing his high school studies.

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At Age 22, Johnny was appointed musical director of the famous Latin Quarter in Sydney where he spent a busy 5 years arranging for and backing many international artists such as Sammy Davis Jr., Nancy Wilson, The Bee Gees etc.

At age 27, he left Australia with soul-mate, jazz singer Ethel Azama for international appearances in Asia, performing at such places as the Hong Kong Hilton, The Mandarin and Peninsula Hotels.

Following his Asian Tour, Johnny arrived in Hawaii, where he he began working with renowned jazz singer Anita O’Day, and long time Louis Armstrong trombone player, Trummy Young.

In the early 1970s, Johnny began an engagement as musical director for famed Hawaiian singer Don Ho, which was to span over a period of 30 years. Interspersed with these activities, Johnny found time to continue his jazz career in Hawaii as well as performances in most major U.S. and Canadian cities ranging from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Boston and Washington D.C. He has appeared in many jazz festivals and performed with such artists as Buddy DeFranco, Paquito de Rivera, Steve Turre, Bill Watrous, Ray Brown, Percy Heath, John Heard, Jeff Hamilton, Anita O'Day, Kenny Rankin, etc.These activities included a 10 year contract to fulfill regular performances as musical director of the main showroom at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas for 2 months of each year. During this period, Johnny also acted as musical director for 92 performances on ABC national television in the U.S, backing up many prestigious artists like Tony Bennett, Melissa Manchester, Connie Stevens etc.

Sacramento Serenade

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