An American singer, musician, songwriter, and record producer best known as a member of the Beach Boys. In 1965, Johnston joined the band for live performances, filling in for the group's co-founder Brian Wilson, who had quit touring in order to spend more time in the studio. Johnston then became a contributing member on subsequent albums.

He also composed the 1975 Barry Manilow hit, "I Write the Songs", wrote backing vocal arrangements and sang on Elton John’s "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" as well as several songs on Pink Floyd's album The Wall.