Phil Johnstone (1 September 1957 – 31 May 2021) was an English songwriter, keyboardist, guitarist, and record producer, best known for his work with singer Robert Plant. His songwriting credits include Plant's number-one

Mainstream Rock Mainstream rock (also known as heritage rock) is a radio format used by many commercial radio stations in the United States and Canada. Format background Mainstream rock stations represent the middle ground between classic rock and active rock ...

hits " Heaven Knows", " Tall Cool One" and "

Hurting Kind (I've Got My Eyes on You) "Hurting Kind (I've Got My Eyes on You)" is a rock song performed by English rock singer Robert Plant, from his 1990 album ''Manic Nirvana''. It was released as a single and reached number 45 on the UK singles chart, number 46 on the ''Billboard'' ...

Biography

Johnstone first worked with Plant on the 1988 album ''

Now and Zen ''Now and Zen'' is the fourth solo album by Robert Plant, released 29 February 1988 by Es Paranza Records, Plant's own label. The album made the top 10 in the US (No. 6) and UK (No. 10). It was certified triple platinum by the RIAA on 7 Septe ...

'', which Johnstone co-produced. Johnstone co-wrote most of the songs on the album; he also wrote songs for Plant's follow-up albums ''

Manic Nirvana ''Manic Nirvana'' is the fifth studio album by former Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant, released 19 March 1990 on Es Paranza Records, Plant's own label. The lead single, "Big Love", reached #35 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, and its follow ...

'' (1990) and ''

Fate of Nations ''Fate of Nations'' is the sixth studio album by English singer Robert Plant, released 25 May 1993 on Es Paranza Records in North America and Fontana Records internationally. It features former Cutting Crew guitarist Kevin MacMichael on all so ...

'' (1993). Following his work with Plant, Johnstone wrote songs for singer

Alannah Myles Alannah Myles (née Byles; born December 25, 1958) is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has won both a Grammy and a Juno Award for the song " Black Velvet". The song was a top-ten hit in Canada; it was also a number one hit on the US ''Billboar ...

' 1995 album ''

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''. Recorded and produced Freeborn John by Rev Hammer 1996 on Cooking Vinyl. Johnstone also co-wrote the whole of

The Levellers The Levellers were a political movement active during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms who were committed to popular sovereignty, extended suffrage, equality before the law and religious tolerance. The hallmark of Leveller thought was its popul ...

' 2000 album '' Hello Pig''. Johnstone also headed the popular all-star musical festival act, "The Fabulous Good Time Party Boys", which featured members of the Levellers, Irish singer/songwriter Dan Donnelly, American musician

Roy Harter Roy Harter (born March 6, 1973) is a New York Emmy award-winning, composer, sound designer and audio mixer, best known for his work in television and film. He is also a multi-instrumentalist for various performing and recording artists. Harter i ...

, and two of his children, Alex Johnstone and Emily Johnstone.

Death

Johnstone died on 31 May 2021 at the age of 63, after a few years of bad health. His funeral service was held on 2 July at St James' Parish Church in Exeter.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnstone, Phil Living people English rock keyboardists English rock guitarists English male guitarists English songwriters English record producers 1957 births People from Hitchin Musicians from Hertfordshire British male songwriters