by Holly Marie Tong

Somewhere every day in Music City USA, you can expect to hear both aspiring and established acts covering the legendary Johnny Cash’s timeless tunes. It certainly isn’t uncommon for these acts to try and impersonate Johnny Cash’s priceless disposition as an entertainer. However, what is uncommon is finding one that can do such an impeccable impersonation that even Johnny himself was beyond impressed deeming them as the best that HE has ever seen. What is even more uncommon is finding one that can not only pull off Johnny Cash’s vocals and mannerisms to a T but can also present you with over 200 accurate and entertaining voice impersonations jumping from one to the next without any sign of hesitation. As much of a rarity as this may seem, I was able to sit down and talk with a fascinating comedian/impressionist that can exceedingly do all of the above and more. I’m proudly introducing you to Portland, Oregon Native Johnny Counterfit:
When I asked Johnny about his journey and if he always knew if he wanted to be a comedian, I found out that he discovered his talent at just 5 years old and found his love and ability for his work by simply watching cartoons. He realized he could impersonate the different voices he was watching on television and enjoyed doing so. He explained that he was raised in a family where comedy came naturally as they always enjoyed joking around, making each other laugh and pulling gags on one another. It is clear that Johnny cherishes his great family upbringing and that his humble beginnings and genuine character have all combined to pave his way to success.
While Johnny knew of his gift and interest at an early age, he didn’t decide to pursue this work professionally until his 20’s. Johnny had joined a band and was requested for many events and live shows, thus gaining a large fan base and experiencing a broad array of opportunity. Johnny’s first television break arose when the ABC Television network asked him to appear on their new show, “America’s Funniest People.” This proved to be a great opportunity for Johnny to get some footage and professional experience that could be used as a promotional sample of his special gift to entertain. He was also the voice of “Rex” in a Claymation Christmas celebration, a television special that won an Emmy. Johnny’s career deservedly has skyrocketed over the years as he has appeared on CBS, TBS, TNN, cable and satellite television and radio shows. Not surprisingly one of Johnny’s favorite places to perform is the Grand Ole Opry stage.
While the name Johnny Counterfit seems fairly self explanatory in the sense that he is a professional comedian/impressionist, I couldn’t help but ask him when he settled on the name and how “Counterfit” came to be. Johnny explained that he knew he needed something out of the ordinary and he wanted it to perfectly state what he does
Since impersonating Johnny Cash was a very important component of his work, he figured it would be perfect for this. He also chose to set “Counterfit” apart even more by revising the usual spelling of “Counterfeit.” I think he was certainly onto something as the name “Johnny Counterfit” is an unforgettable one that couldn’t be more fitting.
While Johnny is continually recognized for his accurate character impersonation of Johnny Cash, he fabulously impersonates numerous other singers, politicians and actors. It was never his desire to be limited to one voice and therefore he has positively exceeded the norm for comedy/impressionism. You may be wondering what are Johnny’s most unique voices. Edith Bunker of Archie Bunker and Vince Gill are two examples of just how far Johnny Counterfit’s unusual talent ranges.
Some other special characteristics that truly make Johnny Counterfit a positive one of a kind really stood out to me while talking with him. Johnny is a comedian of values and respect, both for his audience and those he impersonates. He is down to earth and contains the transparency of a humble individual that is thankful for every opportunity that comes his way. He emphasized that he never wants to demean or make fun of anyone but that he simply likes to have fun. It is clear that Johnny truly enjoys interacting with his audience as he explained that his show goers often like to guess who he is impersonating by hollering out the different names, making it a game. He is also very open to trying what the audience asks of him. He consistently brings forth a vast array of nostalgic, brand new, young and old solid country acts, always making his shows clean comedies that are family friendly. He truly loves what he does and says he rehearses every day.
When I inquired about what types of responses and feedback Johnny has received from those he impersonates, Johnny told me of several stories in which his real life characters have laughed at themselves and have been amazed at just how well he has respectfully “gotten them down.”
Alongside Johnny Cash, Bill Clinton was among those who were positively impressed by Counterfit’s impersonation of them. Along those lines, Johnny not surprisingly recalls his Whitehouse performance for the President of the United States as one of his most memorable. In addition to wowing Clinton, Johnny was contacted by the Whitehouse once again when President George W. Bush was in office. When the war in Iraq began, Johnny had penned a tune entitled “We’re in it, let’s win it” and the Bush administration had heard the song, loved it and wanted it sent to them. (Yet another amazing career highlight!)
In addition to comedy/impersonations, Johnny who is currently working on a book is also a very noteworthy songwriter who records originals/comedies, produces and even owns and operates his own record label. Throughout his career, Johnny has appeared on CBS, TBS, TNN, cable and satellite television and radio shows. You can currently find Johnny on several radios and television networks, as well as on tour as he brings smiles and laughs to entertained guests all across the U.S.
To read more about Johnny Counterfit or to see his upcoming schedule, please visit

www.counterfit.com