In 1996, Johnson signed a recording contract with EMI and released his debut studio album, Cottonfish Tales, in April 1997.

[2][3][4] In 2000, "Glorious" received the gold certification by the Swedish Recording Industry Association (GLF) for distribution of over ten thousand singles.

The album sold 500,000 units and was followed by extensive touring, during which Johnson began work on his third solo record.

[8][9] The compilation generated the gold single "A Little Bit of Love," that peaked at number three on the Sverigetopplistan chart.

[6][9] In 2008, Johnson released his fifth album, Rediscovered, which peaked at number 29 on the Sverigetopplistan chart.