On The Record
The Voices That Shaped Me by Johnny Manuel
On The Record is a series of first-person pieces penned exclusively by TuneCore artists.
“It’s Influence Is My Lifeline”
TuneCore artist Johnny Manuel is an award-winning vocalist and singer-songwriter who received worldwide recognition for his performances on America’s Got Talent, The Voice, and for representing Bulgaria on Eurovision as a member of Equinox.
In honor of Black History Month, Johnny offered TuneCore his thoughts on R&B, its influence on his career, and how the genre’s black luminaries are still pushing him forward today.
As I sit in silence, reflecting on the impact of R&B music, I’m struck by how deeply it’s woven into my life. To say it has shaped me is an understatement. Its influence is my lifeline. My earliest memories are soundtracked by R&B, with Earth, Wind & Fire and Anita Baker coming through house and car speakers. These songs, filled with powerful voices, captured the joy, resilience, love, and struggles of my people. They were constant companions, guiding me through the years.
I can still recall mimicking every note, especially Donny Hathaway’s version of “To Be Young, Gifted, and Black.” His voice evoked something within me, a mix of emotion, power, and belonging. I could feel his struggle and triumph, and in that, I felt connected to something much greater than myself. It was in these moments I began to understand how music could transcend personal experience, becoming a shared language of the soul.
“It is freedom, it is identity”
As my artistry developed, the influence of R&B music became unmistakable. The sounds that raised me, rich and full of history and emotion, shaped my voice and my craft. R&B music is not just melody. It is freedom, it is identity, and it is a way of speaking to the world. It is a reflection of perseverance and celebration that runs through me, as I continue the journey of expression.
Donny Hathaway’s work was nothing if not a testament to the power of perseverance and freedom for black artists. “Someday We’ll All Be Free,” written by Hathaway and Edward Howard about Hathaway’s mental health, doubled as an anthem for African-Americans suffering racial strife. Since its release, it’s been covered by 60s legends like Aretha Franklin and modern-day stalwarts such as John Legend (on “The Voice,” no less) and Jay-Z (who sampled the song for 4:44’s “Legacy”) – Ed
[Listening to Donny] I began to understand how music could transcend personal experience, becoming a shared language of the soul.
– Johnny Manuel
“It is the foundation.”
With the release of my EPs Younger Skin and Blue, I was able to finally release bodies of work that I’m proud of, projects that showcase my growth as an artist, with R&B as the core influence throughout. Now, with the current music I’ve been working on, I’m pushing into a new direction, a blend of dark, soulful pop and R&B. It’s a sound that continues to evolve, staying true to my roots while exploring new textures and emotional depths.
I am endlessly grateful for R&B music. It is the foundation of my identity, my creativity, and my connection to the world. Through it, I’ve found a way to express the truths of my own life while honoring the legacies of those who came before me.