Review: Carolyn Dawn Johnson performs in Westbury on Long Island

Carolyn Dawn Johnson. Photo Courtesy of Russ Harrington

Canadian country artist Carolyn Dawn Johnson performed at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury on Long Island on April 11.

She served as the opening act for country star Martina McBride, and subsequently performed as a member in McBride’s live band. Johnson is a five-time “Female Artist of the Year” winner at the Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMAs).

Johnson kicked off her set with “Simple Life,” and went on to thank the Island audience for the warm reception. She immediately broke into “One Day Closer to You,” which she dedicated to all the single people out there and she gave a shoutout to Westbury during the song.

“How is everybody doing?” she asked the Westbury audience. She went on to introduce herself as Carolyn Dawn Johnson and noted that she moved to Nashville in 1999.

Johnson expressed her love for Martina McBride and thanked producer Paul Worley for introducing her to McBride. She continued with her hit single “Georgia,” where ironically enough, McBride sings background vocals on the actual recording.

“Thank you so much for coming out,” she reiterated following the tremendous applause this song received. Johnson noted that she has been a part of McBride’s band on and off for over 25 years.

She treated the audience to her own rendition of “Out of the Blue,” which she wrote for country songstress Kathy Mattea.

Johnson also revealed that she is working on new music, and sang her upbeat new single “Road Blocks,” which the crowd found relatable.

She went on to share her story of how she met Chely Wright and how Wright cut “Single White Female,” which Johnson wrote, and it became a No. 1 song on country radio. Johnson delivered her crystalline version of that popular tune.

Johnson closed her set with her interpretation of “The Day I Die,” which is featured on Chris Stapleton’s new album “Higher.”  She disclosed that several years back, she co-wrote that song with Stapleton.

“Thank you again for coming,” Johnson concluded, and she hopes they enjoy “the queen” Martina McBride, who was the venue’s headliner.

“Road Blocks” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.

To learn more about Carolyn Dawn Johnson and her new music, check out her official website, and follow her on Instagram.