The Greatest Love Story Ever sung

From his #1 hit “I Walk the Line” in 1956 to the iconic “Folsom Prison Blues,” many have known and loved Johnny Cash over the years. No love, though, seems as great as the love that singer/songwriter June Carter had for Cash during their long years together. Though they have passed on, the passion that burned between them will always be present in their heartfelt and truthful lyrics written and performed for one another. As one of the most beloved couples in music history, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash’s love lives on through their iconic duos and many albums recorded with each other. 

Danny Evans and Essence Goldman are also seasoned artists in their own rights. Their chemistry and musicality on stage is so undeniable that many have described them as the reincarnation of Johnny & June

JOHNNY & JUNE FOREVER is the culmination of two individual talents coming together to present this new and electrifying duo.

With their true spirit of reverence for love and song, these two songbirds have come together to pay homage to their heroes and dig deep into their combined passion for roots music, with this spirited tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter.

DANNY EVANS is widely recognized as a premier guitarist, an unparalleled singer/songwriter and producer. As the son of Rusty Evans, whose own Johnny Cash tribute “Ring Of Fire” that reigned supreme on the national circuit for over 20 years Danny played lead guitar and served as musical director in the family band, as well as bearing his own musical soul with his band Chrome Johnson. 

Known as a “musical chameleon”, Danny is well regarded as being accomplished in almost any style. Danny’s storied career has seen him sharing high profile stages from Glastonbury to Bumbershoot. With live performances with many legends and such as Link Wray, Dick Dale, Taj Mahal, Chris Robinson, Bill Kirtchen, Leo Nocentelli, Roy Rogers, Count Basie Orchestra, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Crystal Gayle, Porter Wagoner etc. under his belt, his production and recording credits are just as bountiful. Well known as a “go to” guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, Danny’s musical talents are well regarded and always in demand. 

ESSENCE GOLDMAN, an award winning singer-songwriter has been immersed in art and music since childhood. Her birth name really is ‘essence’ – she was raised by quintessential flower children, her parents being two free spirited bohemian artists from the Haight-Ashbury ‘Summer of Love.’  essence has released 6 CDs (with a 7th on the way!) on both independent and major labels, and toured nationally opening for Jason Mraz, Shawn Colvin, Tom Petty, Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant, Chrissie Hynde, Steve Miller, Pat Benatar, and Linda Perry. Her sound nods to songwriting legends like Tom Petty and Lucinda Williams, Dolly Parton, and Gillian Welch.  Essence recently received a national and international spotlights for her work with Bernie and the Believers through NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series and BBC. The story and music of her band Bernie and the Believers is currently being developed into a major Hollywood feature film.

PHIL BILLY, Electric Guitar & Vocals

Guitarist, singer, producer and engineer Phillip “Philbillie” Milner has been in the Bay Area music scene for the better part of 35 years. Landing in San Francisco in the early 90’s after slugging it out in the club scenes of Southern California and Maui, followed by, of all things, a stint in the US Navy in the Advanced Electronics field.

A versatile guitarist and dynamic singer, Philbillie has lent those talents to a number of bands and solo artists both on stage and as a producer/engineer/mixer at Okey Doke Studios, a private residential facility maintained with his long-time partner, singer/songwriter Jenny Kerr. There he produced numerous releases for Eric McFadden, Darren Nelson (San Geronimo), Jenny Kerr and others.

A verified road dog, Phil has toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico and Hawaii. In his capacity as a guitar tech, he’s done his time “on the bus” with the likes of Bob Weir & Ratdog, Bonnie Raitt, Tracy Chapman, Wilco, Graham Nash and plenty more.

Now settled in Marin County, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Philbillie is busy playing guitar and making records with local, national and international artists.

Standup Bass - Joe Kyle Jr.

JOE KYLE JR. cut his musical teeth in the early 1990s in San Francisco, when entry-level gigs were plentiful and taxicabs were large enough to accommodate a double bass.  His musical education began in the trenches and the barrooms and dance halls of the Greater Bay Area, and continues to this day.

Joe has become an in-demand performer and session player known throughout the land for his superb feel, musical agility, adaptability and propensity for slap bass and tragicomic asides.  He may be the only bassist to have played with pianists Martin Denny, Al Kooper, AND Pinetop Perkins, although not with all on the same session, sadly.

Joe can frequently be seen and heard performing and recording with many Bay Area groups, including Michael Zisman's Americano Social Club, HowellDevine, the Colm ORiain Band, Koolerator, The Cottontails,  The Lucky Losers and The Waybacks.

CHRIS LOCKHEED, Drums

Chris has been a studio musician for years. Played, toured with NRPS, THE TUBES, LIGHTNIN’ HOPKINS, VAN MORRISON, BLUE CHEER and others. National tours with Rusty Evans & Ring Of Fire, #1 Johnny Cash tribute. Arizona Musicians Hall Of Fame with Goose Creek Symphony, Capitol Records.