B i o g r a p h y
Johnny Minick was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, where his parents, John C. Minick and Marice Minick, nurtured his love for God and music from an early age. By age three, he was already expressing his musical gifting through guitar and singing in church.
At six years old, a visit to his aunt’s home in Memphis changed his life. After only an hour at her piano, he could play basic chords, and recognizing his remarkable gift, she gave him the instrument. Formal classical training soon followed, laying the foundation for a lifetime of musical versatility. As a teenager, Johnny expanded beyond classical studies into jazz and a wide spectrum of musical genres, eventually becoming a respected studio session musician admired by fellow artists, producers, and record executives.
In 1967, while attending a New Year’s Eve church service, Johnny sensed a clear call to ministry. Though deeply rooted in music, the pulpit began to take hold of his heart. Throughout his teenage years he developed both callings—refining a unique gospel sound influenced by classical and jazz training, and stepping confidently into preaching ministry. In 1970, he and his father formed The Majestic Sound, a church-based ensemble known for innovative gospel arrangements and growing popularity.
A defining milestone came in 1972 when the group opened for The Happy Goodman Family. Impressed by his musicianship, they invited him to join them. After completing high school and marrying his sweetheart, Sherry McDonald, Johnny accepted the opportunity. In 1975, the couple moved to Madisonville, Kentucky, where Johnny’s years with the legendary Goodmans shaped his musical path and lifelong friendships with Howard, Vestal, Rusty, and Sam.
Following the birth of their son, Aaron, Johnny and Sherry returned to Arkansas and launched a full-time evangelistic ministry. In 1983, Johnny planted River of Life Assembly of God, joining with cousins Bob and Tony Minick to lead the growing congregation and develop its Mabelvale, Arkansas campus.
By 1988, Johnny and his family were once again on national platforms following radio success with his song “How Long,” which charted in the Top 40. Calvary Records soon signed the family, expanding their reach. In 1991, country icon Willie Nelson invited Johnny to conduct weekly worship services at his theater in Branson, Missouri, where countless visitors experienced the message of Christ.
In 1992, sensing a fresh call to church planting, Johnny and his family relocated to Smyrna, Tennessee, founding a new River of Life congregation. What began with eight people soon flourished, leading to the purchase of 21 acres on Sam Ridley Parkway and construction of a permanent worship campus.
A surprise return to his musical heritage came in the mid-1990s, when Johnny reunited with Howard and Vestal Goodman to revive The Happy Goodman Family amidst the soaring popularity of the Gaither Homecoming series. From 1995 to 2002, he traveled extensively, singing to more than 1.3 million people annually across the United States and Europe—while still faithfully pastoring in Smyrna.
Following the passing of Howard (2002) and Vestal (2003), Johnny concentrated on expanding Johnny Minick Ministries through national and international broadcasting. River of Life became one of the first churches in the Southeast to broadcast in High Definition and to implement LED studio lighting, enabling global ministry through television and the internet.
In 2014, Johnny joined Tanya Goodman Sykes and Michael Sykes to form Goodman Revival. Their debut recording, Songs in the Key of Happy, was later released through the Gaither Music Network, followed by a companion video project filmed at Gaither Studios.
In 2018, after decades of pastoral leadership, Johnny and Sherry transitioned the Smyrna church to their son Aaron and his wife, Julie. Today, Johnny and Sherry continue to minister across the country and at select international events.
Family remains their greatest joy—especially time spent with their son, Aaron, daughter-in-law Julie, and their grandchildren, Hayden, Preston, Londin, and Brooklyn. Their life continues to reflect a faithful blend of music, ministry, and legacy that has blessed generations.