Burning The Ground Exclusive
NEW 2026 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration
After yesterday’s dark, mysterious “Mambo Witch,” I thought we could use a little sunshine! Today, we’re trading the shadows for the bright synthesizers, infectious rhythms, and unmistakable voice of El DeBarge. We’re heading back to the summer of 1986 with “Who’s Johnny,” a feel-good slice of synth-pop that still sounds as irresistible as it did forty years ago.
I originally posted this U.S. promotional 12″ single on June 5, 2012, during the early days of Burning The Ground. Fourteen years later, I felt it was time to pull this record from the archives and give it a brand-new transfer for 2026. Whether you downloaded it back then or are discovering it here for the first time, I hope you’ll enjoy revisiting this little piece of eighties pop history.
Released in 1986 on Motown’s Gordy label, “Who’s Johnny” marked a major turning point for El DeBarge. After finding success as the lead singer of the family group DeBarge, El stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist. His first solo single became a smash hit, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending one week at #1 on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart. The record also climbed to #10 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.
| Year | Chart | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #3 |
| 1986 | U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles | #1 |
| 1986 | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play | #10 |
| 1986 | U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary | #18 |
| 1986 | Canada RPM Top 100 Singles | #1 |
| 1986 | Canada RPM Adult Contemporary | #7 |
| 1986 | Netherlands Dutch Top 40 | #3 |
| 1986 | Netherlands Single Top 100 | #7 |
| 1986 | Belgium Singles Chart | #4 |
| 1986 | Australia Kent Music Report | #33 |
| 1986 | New Zealand Singles Chart | #27 |
| 1986 | UK Official Singles Chart | #60 |
Written by Peter and Ina Wolf and produced by Peter Wolf, “Who’s Johnny” was recorded as the theme for the 1986 science-fiction comedy Short Circuit, starring Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg, and Fisher Stevens. The film introduced audiences to the lovable robot Number 5, later known as Johnny 5, who develops a personality of his own after being struck by lightning. The song’s playful title fit the movie perfectly, while its upbeat production helped it become a hit far beyond the silver screen.
The accompanying music video was just as memorable. Set inside a courtroom, it featured El DeBarge performing while Johnny 5 found himself on trial. It was the kind of wonderfully silly MTV moment that could only have come from the eighties!
For me, much of the song’s charm comes from its production. Those sparkling synthesizers, punchy electronic drums, and funky bass lines create a sound that sits comfortably between R&B, dance-pop, and the polished synth-driven music that dominated the mid-eighties. Add El’s smooth vocals and soaring falsetto, and you have a record that’s nearly impossible to resist.
Today’s U.S. promotional 12″, catalog number PR 183, features the 6:26 extended version on Side A, remixed by Barney Perkins. The longer running time gives the arrangement a little more room to breathe while keeping the song’s irresistible hooks firmly in place. Side B contains the 4:43 instrumental version, which is a real treat for anyone who appreciates the production work behind these eighties recordings. Without the lead vocal, all those wonderful electronic textures and rhythmic details get their chance to shine.
And here’s a little extra eighties trivia. “Weird Al” Yankovic even recorded a parody called “Here’s Johnny” for his 1986 album Polka Party!, turning the song into a tribute to Ed McMahon and his famous introduction of Johnny Carson.
It’s hard to believe that both “Who’s Johnny” and Short Circuit are celebrating their 40th anniversaries in 2026. Where did the time go?
So, let’s brighten up this October morning with a little El DeBarge. Dust off those memories, turn up the volume, and enjoy this fresh 2026 transfer of a genuine eighties favorite!
SIDE A:
A1. Who’s Johnny (12″ Version) 6:26
SIDE B:
B1. Who’s Johnny (12″ Instrumental) 4:43
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Gordy – PR 183
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: Synth-pop, Rhythm & Blues
CREDITS:
- Executive-Producer – Tony Jones (15)
- Producer – Peter Wolf (3)
- Remix – Barney Perkins
NOTES:
For Promotional Use Only/Not For sale
Album version inEl DeBarge, 6181GL
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2
Phono Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
Audio Interface: MOTU M4
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Cleaning Solution: Turgikleen Record Cleaning Solution
Scanner: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
PLEASE READ
There are two 24-Bit links; if one does not work, try the other
**24-bit FLAC Only Available For SIX Days!
Password: burningtheground
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