Naomi Cooke Johnson Gets Candid About Her Birthing Experience, Welcomes First Baby With Boys Like Girls Frontman Martin Johnson
“This past year I’ve made more than just an album,” the singer wrote.
Naomi Cooke Johnson, Martin Johnson; Photos via Instagram
On top of breaking out into the music scene as a solo artist, following her departure from Runaway June, Naomi Cooke Johnson has welcomed a baby into the world.
Sharing the milestone news via social media, the singer/songwriter posted a carousel of raw photos leading up to, during, and after the birth of her newborn baby. This marks her first child with her husband, Martin Johnson, frontman of the pop-punk group, Boys Like Girls.
“This past year I’ve made more than just an album. I also made a baby,” Cooke Johnson began in her caption before adding, “Both of which I’ve been pretty quiet about online for a lot of different reasons.”
Her heartfelt words continued with a rundown of her labor process. As fans can see through the progression of the photos, she first attempted a home birth, but later is seen holding her new baby in a hospital bed.
“I started off with a planned home water birth. Me and 9 of my siblings were born at home, 5 of us in a bath tub, and it was important to me to give my child a similar birth experience,” she wrote. “After an unexpected 60 hours of labor, complications arose and I ended up delivering at the hospital.”
The singer/songwriter went on to share her gratitude and appreciation for both methods and all those involved.
“I’m in awe of both ancient and modern birthing methods and filled with gratitude for the gift of experiencing both in one birth. The incredible wisdom and skill of my midwives and surgeons is a marvel, and each practice is equally important for all woman to have access to.”
Despite things not going as planned, Cooke Johnson explained that she is proud of what she accomplished and feels excited about bringing home a new, healthy addition to their family.
“I’m grateful to have a healthy, beautiful baby and even more grateful for my female body and the power and strength she holds. Childbirth is an incredible rite of passage for a woman. I’m proud to have made the journey and honored to be holding the ultimate reward.”
“Welcome to the world, baby Johnson,” she wrote in conclusion.
The former member of the all-women trio announced her pregnancy during this year’s Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville, TN. Taking the stage in a black sheer ensemble on Tuesday, March 14, Cooke Johnson surprised those in attendance with a growing baby bump as she performed a cover of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me).”
The news of her baby’s birth comes just a few days after BMG/BBR Music Group announced that they had signed with the singer. Cooke Johnson is formerly known for her days as a lead vocalist for Runaway June, and she is responsible for co-writing many of the trio’s acclaimed hits, including the RIAA Gold-Certified top 5 smash “Buy My Own Drinks.”
Now that she has stepped away from the band and inked a new deal as a solo artist, Cooke is ready to make her solo debut in the Country music scene.
“I could not be more excited to be back with BMG/BBR Music Group,” says Cooke Johnson. “The teams in Nashville and around the world are unparalleled. They have fully embraced my vision, identity and the music I am creating…this time as Naomi Cooke Johnson.”
“Naomi’s evolution as an artist inspired us to write this next chapter together. Her spirited approach to songwriting, unbridled creativity and dogged persistence of her singular vision offers something unique to the world of music,” said BMG/ BBR Music Group GM Peter Strickland.
To kick things off, she has announced that her debut solo single, “Girls Of Summer,” will be out on June 23.
“I’ve been working really hard for more than a year making new music and it’s been a wild ride that I’m about to invite you on once again,” she wrote on Instagram, readying fans for what’s to come. “A couple months ago a good friend of mine asked me what my new music sounded like. My first instinct was to rattle off the 7 or 8 influences that I pull from coupled with my own songwriting tendencies blah, blah, blah, but instead I found myself saying, ‘it sound like sports, sex and America.’”
Cooke Johnson is preparing to come out of the gates stronger than ever with a new, upbeat song that features powerhouse vocals, a fiery attitude and addicting lyrics that celebrate carefree fun. This marks the first taste of new music and a fresh start for Cooke Johnson.
She went on to say that this is just the beginning of everything she’s got in store as a solo artist. Her next set of releases are expected to illustrate her journey from childhood years of homeschooling and living on a renovated school bus to her current life as a working mom with a brand-new baby.
“If you’ve been here waiting I want to thank you with all of my heart. I promise I’ll make it worth the wait and if you’re just getting here – hop on in and buckle up. I’m Naomi Cooke Johnson.”
Naomi Cooke Johnson is currently taking the time to adapt to all the changes in her life and currently has yet to unveil any upcoming tour dates.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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