Michael ‘Micron’ Johnston, Father Of Jamaican Producer Rvssian, Dead At 81
Jamaican record producer Rvssian has announced the death of his father, Michael ‘Micron’ Johnston at age 81.
In a heartbreaking Instagram post today, the 33-year-old producer honored the life of his father, detailing the honorable man, that he was.
Rvssian, as Founder of Head Concussion Records, followed in his dad’s footsteps as an entrepreneur and a promulgator of the culture and music. Rising to popularity after producing Vybz Kartel’s Life Sweet in 2010 and Straight Jeans and Fitted, Rvssian has since then worked with international acts such as Shaggy, Demarco, Juice Wrld, Post Malone, French Montana, Tyga, among many others.
Always crediting his father for his love of the music, Rvssian told the Jamaica Observer in 2014 that it was his ‘old man’ who influenced him to enter the business. “My father played guitar and the piano. He allowed me to use his equipment until I saved and bought mine,” Rvssian said.
In the Instagram post, Rvssian shared a video of his father on a hospital bed along with a tracklist for an album produced by his father and throwback family pictures of a young Johnston and Rvssian.
Mourning his loss, the producer wrote, “Daddy I love you 💔💔💔 you were the best i could ever ask for. I will miss those phone calls from you telling me to buy candles for the hurricanes 😭.. i learned all my good traits from you & wish to be more like you. The simplest person I know, the most humble and most connected to earth.”
“You were 25 years + ahead of everything. From raising me a vegetarian 🌱 to preaching about solar houses & electric cars.. i wouldn’t be who I am today without you 😭😭😭 you influenced me musically & gave me tough love. But the right love I needed to go & get it myself without help, the right support mentally,” he added.
Rvssian continued, “There isn’t enough tears for how I feel 💔💔💔💔😭😭you are Strongest man I know – I saw you lose my brother a few years ago and that was first time I ever seen you down. but to lose you now so unexpected has killed me inside. I know you would want me to cherish our good moments but it’s not as easy as they say it is. Thank you for being by my mommy 50 year’s, now I will try & fill your footsteps. I will share your words to everyone for your latest release – swipe to read words from my dad.. these words will explain the type a man he was ❤️ 81”
Michael Johnston had a legacy career in the music industry. Rising to fame in the 1970s through the production company he operated jointly with Ronnie Burke known as Micron Music Ltd. His last release was in 2011, titled, Jamming with Mikey J, a 16-track instrumental album. Rvssian was also instrumental in the making of the album as he played the bass and wrote Dancehall Rhapsody.
Micron Music’s biggest project was Negril, produced by Johnston, an instrumental album by acclaimed American Jazz guitarist Eri Gale.
Supporters and some of Dancehall’s biggest acts poured out their condolences in the comments.
Shenseea wrote, “😞 so sorry you’re going through this. God got you”
Tarrus Riley responded, “Sincerest Condolences T More Strength Bredda”
Dancehall superstar, Shaggy commented, “Condolences mi G’ 🙏🏾”
One supporter, wata invasion boss, attesting to Johnston’s character commented “Your daddy was a great man. Will surely miss him picking up the grocery at loshusan supermarket for your mom. My condolences to you and the family.”