Bayn Johnson
| Bayn Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Born |
November 4, 1958 New Orleans, Louisiana U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress, Singer |
| Years active | 1967—1978 |
Bayn Johnson (born November 4, 1958) is an American former electric guitarist, actress, and singer, best known as Kelly, the female blonde-haired band/group member of the Short Circus in seasons 3-4 of the PBS children's television series The Electric Company from 1973-1975 when she was 14–16 years old.
Early career
Johnson got her first career break in the late 1960s appearing opposite Bernadette Peters as the title character in the off-Broadway musical Curley McDimple, a pseudo-satirical tribute to Shirley Temple movies.[1] Johnson also recorded a Christmas novelty song entitled "Christmas Teddy Bear". In December 18, 1967 and January 8, 1968, she appeared in The Merv Griffin Show. In 1969, she appeared as "Happy Hollywood" in the television show What's It All About, World?.[2] and season 2, episode 12: Little Darling of Sierras (December 30, 1969) of Lancer as Penelope "Penny" Rose, and Johnson cameo appeared on the children's television series Sesame Street from 1969-1970 when she was 10–11 years old.
The Short Circus
In 1973, 14-year-old Johnson became a member of the Short Circus on the PBS television show The Electric Company. As "Kelly", Johnson replaced the recently departed Denise Nickerson, ultimately appearing in over 250 episodes of the show. Johnson departed the show in 1975, and replaced by Janina Matthews .[3]
Johnson's stage experience proved an asset as her natural stage presence allowed her to sing lead on the song "Freeze" in 1973. She could also handle vaudeville-styled numbers with ease, performing "Buddy and Kelly" alongside co-star Stephen Gustafson and "The 'Or' Song" with Short Circus mainstay June Angela.
Later career
After outgrowing The Electric Company in 1975, Johnson made television appearances on The Love Boat in 1977, Police Woman and Switch in 1978.
Johnson attended New York University and earned a degree in Journalism. As of 2009, she is doing commercial voice-over work.