JOHNNY
DREAD
MEMORIES.

Juan Carlos Guardiola AKA Johnnydread was born in Philadelphia PA to Cuban immigrants fleeing CUBA in 1961’ . JD Moved to with his family and 8 siblings to Miami at a young age . Spending most all of his time on the basketball courts of Miami Florida, Dreads love for basketball and his hard work paid off . JD received a full basketball scholarship to FIU (Florida International University). Shortly after his acceptance to FIU JOHNNY-DREAD experienced a “majestic “ transformation from star athlete to professional musician.

He immersed himself in the Rasta Culture and music scene in the late 1980’s. Johnny formed a group called COPACETIC in 1986’ Talents included Anthony Booker (Bob Marley Step Brother) Patrick”Moses” Miller, Richard Thomas, Francis Leopold “Lyon” Harley and Ras Bagga Allan Michell . The band being managed by Marc Bouniconti released the album Ghetto Rock which peaked to #7 on the Billboard Reggae Charts in 1990.

In 1990’Dread embarked on his solo career . Wanting to be closer to the roots of reggae JD travelled to Jamaica. He recorded his first solo album, Scarecrow in 1995, with internationally acclaimed drummer/producer, Wilburn Squidly Cole, of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. In 2000, Dread released Chapter One, his second solo album and the first one of the Seven Revelations. This series of seven albums includes thus far the sophomore release, Magnificent People (2003) and his current album, Full Circle produced by Heddrokk David Simmons and Stephan Lashley released in 2016’. The video for single “Full Circle” received over 20,000 views within 48 hours of its premiere and over 200,000 views to date. Johnny Dreads sound crosses the boundaries of classic reggae . His blending of sound and collaborations with unique artist appeals to a variety of listeners.

Johnny Dread has taken the stage in festivals across the globe, concerts and benefits with leading artists such as Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Israel Vibration, Alpha Blondie, Third World, The Wailers, Sugar Minot, Culture, Steel Pulse, Kali Budz, Morgans Heritage, Toots and The Maytals, Buju Banton, Macka Bee, Bkack Uhuru, Mykal Rose, The Marleys, among others. A self-taught drummer, he has gone from the back of the scene to the front stage captivating a wide spectrum of audiences from Europe, France( Garance Festival in Bercy), Belgium, Germany (Summer Jam Festival) and The Netherlands to the Bahamas, Jamaica, Central & South America. In his hometown Miami, he has been a staple of the Bob Marley Festival for 15 years.

Over the last 21 years the Dread has spent his musical adventures throughout Central and South America . Performing in music festivals through Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Mexico, Belize, Aruba, Puerto Rico . JD released his latest video “Mi Isla Cuba” while visiting his beloved Island. This long time project was his way of bringing back the culture of Cuba past into the present day Cuba..He most recently traveled to Africa and to the motherland Ethiopia to realize a vision that has entertain his soul ever since he began on this trod..Backed by the Salem band in Ethiopia he performed twice in Addis Ababa before hooking up with Roots Connection in Kenya for 3 stellar shows..