Enchantment’s EJ Johnson celebrates the 4th with “God Bless America”

enchantment

Formed in the late 60s at Detroit’s Pershing High School, Enchantment became one of the most enjoyable but underrated groups of the late 70s and early 80s. Consisting of lead singer Emanuel “EJ” Johnson, Bobby Green, Mickey Clanton, Joe Thomas and Dave Banks, Enchantment was for many years a local favorite, playing gigs in the Detroit area while hoping to ultimately score a record contract.

Enchantment had its first big break in 1976, as the group signed with the Roadshow label and recorded a debut album with young producer (and future Motown executive) Michael Stokes. It began a half dozen years of hitmaking, with such top hits as “Sunshine,” “Gloria,” and “It’s You That I Need.”

Enchantment continues to perform regularly, and E.J. Johnson has also issued a couple album in addition to his work with the group. Several years ago, Enchantment released a beautiful single version of “God Bless America” in honor of America’s soldiers in Iraq (with proceeds to the United Way). And E.J. Johnson also put a version of the song on one of his projects. He sounds just fantastic, and we can’t imagine a better musical way to start our July 4. Check it out below. 

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