Mark E. Johnson was born on October 22, 1957 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

He started playing the drums at age 12 and began playing in clubs with his father singer/guitarist Scat Johnson when he was 14. In 1978, Mark moved to New York City and resided in Greenwich Village. His career took off as he started playing and touring the world with many artists such as: Abbey Lincoln, Walter Davis Jr., Jackie McLean, Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Turrentine, Cassandra Wilson, Steve Coleman and David Murray as well as many others.

Mark started his record own company: “Scat Records”. On this label Mark has released a collaboration with his brother, Billy Johnson (bassist) entitled the “Johnson Brothers”, featuring their father Scat Johnson (also know as the “Rhythm Man”). His second CD is entitled “Johnson Brothers Beam Me Up” featuring Abraham Burton on tenor saxophone. Al so he has released a solo project whcih features him on the tablas and drums. In this album Mark uses Tony Williams’ drums. His most recent Album is titled Edge of Jazz,  a high intensity jazz incorporating rhythms from India and Africa with a multi colored harmonic concept.

Mark is also an educator. He´s been teaching at the Brooklyn Conservatory for the last ten years. Also in the NYC public school system: The Landmark High Scool and Hudson High School.