Johnnys
| Company type | Vocal group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | April 1962 |
| Founder | Johnny Kitagawa |
| Defunct | November 20, 1967 |
Area served | Japan |
| Products | Music recordings, singles, albums |
Johnnys (ジャニーズ) was a Japanese male vocal group formed by Johnny Kitagawa before he founded the talent management company Johnny & Associates. Established in April 1962 and active until November 20, 1967, they are recognized as one of the earliest Japanese idol ensembles. The term "Johnnys" is shortened from "Johnny's Jimusho," which refers both to the band and the agency's roster of performers. Within Japan, they are commonly referred to as the "First Generation Johnny's" or "Founding Johnnys," while the phrase "Johnnys Type" describes their signature bishōnen style.
Their initial release, "Wakai Namida" (1964), featured music by Hachidai Nakamura and lyrics penned by Rokusuke Ei, who also wrote the lyrics for Kyu Sakamoto’s U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping single "Sukiyaki." On December 31, 1965, Johnnys appeared at the 16th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, performing "Mack the Knife" at the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater.
Although they did not gain significant recognition in the United States, Johnnys were pioneers in recording the track "Never My Love" originally by the Association, representing an important link to global pop music history.
Members
- (November 1, 1946 – March 6, 2000)
- (born August 23, 1946)
- (born September 18, 1947)
- (born January 10, 1948)
Singles
- Wakai Namida (Young Tears)
- Wakai Yoru (Young Night)
- Honō no Kaabu (Curved Flame)
- Girl Happy
- Eikō no March (Glorious March)
- Kimi ga Wakamono Nara (You are a Young Man)
- Naiteita Jenny (Crying Jenny)
- Batman * theme song for Japanese airing of television series Batman
- Ōi Waai Chichichi
- Kiri no Yoru no Aishuu (The Sorrow of the Night's Fog)
- Tokei wo Tomete (Clock's Stopped)
- Taiyō no Aitsu (Guy of the Sun)
- Itsuka Dokoka de (Someday, Anywhere)
- Wakai Nihon no Uta (Song of Japan's Youth)
Albums
- Jyaniizu to Amerika Ryokou ~ Jyaniizu Shou Jikkyou Rokuon (Johnnys and an American Journey ~ Johnnys Real Recording~)