‘Catch of the Day’ – Stefanie Johnson – “Word Man” [AUDIO]

Its Thursday, and once again we're featuring one of Nashville's great unsigned or indy label artists that we feel you need to get to know. Today's artist was born and raised in Pennsylvania, with the back drop of the Lehigh Valley's towering stacks from the steel mills providing a back-drop.

Singer and songwriter Stefanie Johnson grew up in an area far better known for producing steel than it is for producing country music. The Lehigh Valley area, made famous by the Billy Joel song "Allentown" is home to the largest part of the steel industry in the United States. But it is also home to Musikfest, an annual gathering of musicians from all genres in Bethlehem, PA. This mixture and blending of musical styles is where Stefanie discovered her love of songwriting and music in general. From an early age, she discovered her love of creating music, singing her songs and ideas into her grandfather's cassette recorder.

As Stefanie's love for music grew, she learned to play guitar, further fueling her love of songwriting. She began to showcase her songs by playing at Musikfest, which led to her appearing on the local PBS station's showcase series "Steel Sessions", and singing the National Anthem for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the AA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies.

In 2011 Johnson packed her bags and headed to Nashville, where she performed regularly at the legendary Blue Bird Cafe and 12th & Porter venues. Her experiences in Nashville expanded her horizons ever further leading to her opportunity to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Johnson brought all of her experiences together for her 2015 debut album, appropriately named Stefanie. Her latest single comes from that album, and we have it in our spotlight today.

Brought to you by All-American Super Car Wash, Stefanie Johnson and "Word Man" is today's Unsigned/Indy Artist Thursday Catch of the Day, new music you haven't heard, but you'll want to hear it again. And remember, comment, like or share the Catch of the Day, and you’ll be entered into our daily drawing, where you could win a $25 gift card from All American Super Car Wash of Lawton.