Athena Johnson, an Ann Arbor native, is an international recording artist who has performed from Ann Arbor to London both as a solo act and with her vocal trio ensemble “Dames Brown.”  Among those artists she has worked and shared stages with are Angela Bofill, Melba Moore, Kimmie Horne, and Rayse Biggs; Ann Arbor’s own: Fred Smith, Jeff Stanton, Sean Dobbins and John Lawrence; Smooth Jazz recording artists Alexander Zonjic and Marion Meadows; and Soul-funk recording artist Amp Fiddler.

Born into a family of solid spiritual and musical foundations, Athena found her niche in performing.  As a teen she would be seen on stages such as the Power Center or in vocal competitions such as the NAACP ACT-SO events or State Solo & Ensemble competitions. Classically-trained, Athena studied vocal performance at Western Michigan University and Washtenaw Community College.  Athena has forever felt a love for the music education of youth.  She has taught in the school systems for nearly 20 years in various capacities and is currently a vocal coach for the MSU Community School of Music. She is the owner of Black Stone Bookstore and Cultural Center located at 214 W Michigan Avenue in Ypsilanti.