Don Johnson Big Band is an alternative hip hop group from Helsinki, Finland. Their music blends influences from a variety of genres such as electronic music, funk, rock, jazz and hip hop.

Don Johnson Big Band
Don Johnson Big Band performing in May 2006.
Don Johnson Big Band performing in May 2006.
Background information
OriginHelsinki, Finland
GenresAlternative, Electronic, Hip hop
Years active1997 (1997)–present
LabelsUniversal Music, Beat Back
MembersTommy Lindgren
Johannes Laiho
Kari Saarilahti
Pekka Mikkonen
Websitewww.donjohnsonbigband.fi
Don Johnson Big Band on a Christmas concert at the Tavastia Club

History

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The name "Don Johnson Big Band" comes from the actor Don Johnson in the series Miami Vice. The band had to come up with a name to reserve a place for training.

Members

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Don Johnson Big Band consists of four people: Tommy Lindgren (vocals), Kari Saarilahti (guitar), Johannes Laiho (keyboards) and Pekka Mikkonen (horns). Despite their name, they are not a big band, but instead a mix between rap, hip hop, techno, jazz, blues and rock. Regular featuring artists on DJBB gigs and albums are Juuso Hannukainen (percussion), Tero Rantanen (percussion), Emma Salokoski (vocals), and Teppo Mäkynen (turntables).

Discography

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Albums

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  • Support de Microphones (2000)
  • Breaking Daylight (2003)
  • Don Johnson Big Band (2006)
  • Records Are Forever (2009)
  • Fiesta (2012)
  • Physical Digital (2018)
  • Digital Physical (2022)
  • Midnight Movement (2024)

Singles

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Year Title Chart positions Album
Peak position on Finnish Singles Chart Weeks on chart
2003 "One MC, One Delay"[1] 2 19 Breaking Daylight
"Jah Jah Blow Job"[2] 4 6
2006 "Road"[3] 1 5 Don Johnson Big Band
"Busy Relaxin'"[4] 12 2
2009 "L.L.H."[5] 6 2 Records Are Forever

Trivia

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  • Lindgren, Saarilahti and Laiho are old high school friends. Mikkonen joined in later.
  • Their 2009 album includes a song dedicated to Usain Bolt, titled Running Man.

References

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