Hugh Fraser - The Hamilton Spectator

Jude Johnson is one of Canada's finest vocalists and performers for both adults and children. She has released eight recordings including her most recent “How Can I keep from Singing” a collection of beloved hymns. “This Heart of Mine” features Carl Horton on piano, guests legendary, Jackie Washington on vocals, Carlos del Junco on harmonica, Brian Lee Griffith on guitar and the string quartet "Panache". This classy, entertaining CD is a collection of classic jazz compositions performed with intimacy, grace and joy. Her other recordings include: Reflected Space (1980), Flirtin' (1985), Jazz & Blues Straightup (1989), and Moontime Howl (1995), as well as a children's recording entitled Singin' and a Swingin (1993). Her recording “One Voice”(1998) is a selection of inspirational songs celebrating the universal language of music. Jude has also been the unseen voice on many radio and TV commercials, been featured on CBC radio and sung on over 50 albums with such artists as Raffi, Scott Merritt and Stan Rogers, and performed across Canada at countless festivals, schools, libraries and community events.

Jude is Hamilton's Special Music Ambassador as well as Woman of the Year in the Arts 1992. She has also received the Canada 125 Medal for Community Service and the Hamilton Arts Award 1993. In 1996, Jude performed for His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales during his visit to Canada. She also musically represented Hamilton in welcoming Governor General Romeo Leblanc and Prime Minister Jean Chrètien. Jude authored and performed the song "Our Millennium" for the Hamilton-Wentworth Volunteer Centre and the Hamilton Community Foundation's local initiative for the country-wide Millennium New Year celebrations. She has recently been inducted into the prestigious “Hamilton Gallery of Distinction” in 2009. Jude has also been honored with many Ontario Arts Council awards for her music and education programs.

As the founder and director of the MAD Creative Arts School, Jude has helped children explore their uniqueness and creativity through music, art and drama for the past twenty five years. Over 7,000 children have enrolled and made music, created art and been part of a theatrical production. Jude performs concerts in many schools in the region as well as writing and presenting programs , including “Magic and Music”, for the Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble’s “Nutcracker” and “Hansel and Gretel” ballets. Her strong environmental concerns are reflected in her Earth, Sky & Sea concerts, and her children's story The Garden Angel. The Silly Singin' and a Swingin' Children's Show has also become a favorite for children of all ages. Her creative music workshops explore rhythm, melody, and "the song in your heart".