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
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Password: burningtheground
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“Where did the time go?” You tell me Paul, thank you for this very nice memory of the 80s when we were kids watching in amazement Short Circuit and dancing “Who’s Johnny?” at parties, too…
(of course, the computer/robot “damage” was done by Electric Dreams!)
Thanks for the song; I actually know this one, and I think many of us have danced to it. (Sometimes, with those obscure tracks you post, I have no idea where or when they came from—though I suppose they must have an audience!) The good thing is that with “Who’s Johnny,” the sun has come out. I see the name Peter Wolf—any chance you could re-post “Come As You Are” (there are two vinyl versions with remixes)? I know they’re already on your site, but I think they deserve a fresh post. Cheers.
Hi Richard! You’re very welcome! I’m glad I could bring a little sunshine your way with this one. I know some of my selections can be pretty obscure, but that’s part of the fun of Burning The Ground. You never know what might turn up! Funny you should mention Peter Wolf because there are actually two of them! The Peter Wolf who co-wrote and produced “Who’s Johnny” is an Austrian musician and producer, not the Peter Wolf from The J. Geils Band who recorded “Come As You Are.” As for revisiting “Come As You Are,” I’ll certainly keep it in… Read more »
The Short Circuit song! This is such a poppy-bubbly confection, I’d always be delighted on the rare occasion it popped up on the radio. Outstanding selection after yesterday’s hard hitting extravaganza. I had some unforeseen circumstances that kept me from listening and posting yesterday so I actually enjoyed this and Mambo Witch back to back. What an experience, what a contrast. This track somehow feels even lighter listening to it that way. Short Circuit 2’s soundtrack features Bonnie Tyler’s Holding Out For A Hero and that also has a similar contrasting feel when listened back to back with Who’s Johnny.… Read more »
Hi JP! I hope everything is okay on your end and things have settled down a bit. Listening to “Mambo Witch” and “Who’s Johnny” back to back must have been quite an experience! Talk about musical whiplash! I love that you mentioned Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out For A Hero” from Short Circuit 2. What a great comparison! I also agree about the 12″ mix. Sometimes all a great pop song needs is a little extra room to stretch out without losing the charm of the original. And you make an excellent point about Johnny 5 fitting into the Halloween season.… Read more »
Hi JP. I hope you’re alright. I usually catch your comments the next day in the morning and love what you always have to say. When I didn’t see you post I became concerned. I trust you’re okay?
Please take care and have a nice day and a great weekend!!
Jeff
Doing ok, thanks so much Jeff 🙂
I’ve been hoping you are getting better yourself!!
Let the music do its magical healing!
Thank you, Paul. Today brings a complete contrast to yesterday. Yesterday was intense and mystical; today, good vibes take center stage. In fact, that’s what all the songs by the DeBarge family represent: good vibes. You can play a DeBarge track at any 80s party, and people will sing along. I’m very curious to see how you’ll usher us into the weekend-will it be spooky or funky?
You’re very welcome, Toxicaudio! I couldn’t agree more about the DeBarge family. Their music has such a warm, feel-good quality that instantly takes you back to the eighties. And you’re right, put on “Rhythm of the Night” or “Who’s Johnny” at an eighties party, and you’ll have people singing along in no time! I really enjoyed switching things up after the darker sounds of “Mambo Witch.” As for how we’ll head into the weekend, spooky or funky? Well, I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise! You’ll just have to wait and see what comes spinning out of the BTG vault… Read more »
Such an upbeat single! A change of tune from yesterday, Lol. I’ve always loved the infectious beat this one offers, perfect for Johnny 5! I have your original transfer but now I’m excited for this major upgrade. Thank you Paul!!
Thank you so much, Retro Hound! I thought we could all use a little sunshine after yesterday’s darker selection! It’s hard not to smile when “Who’s Johnny” comes on. That infectious groove and El’s wonderful vocals are pure eighties magic! And you’re absolutely right, it’s the perfect musical companion for Johnny 5!
It really means a lot to me that you still have my original transfer from 2012. That’s fourteen years ago! Where does the time go? I’m especially happy to give longtime BTG friends like you a fresh version to enjoy. I hope you can hear the difference! 🙂
Where did the time go indeed! 🤯
This was such a great track ! Thanks for revisiting it! El was supposed to be so much bigger as a solo artist, wasn’t he?
Man – now I want to dance to the beat of the rhythm of the night! ❤️🥳
Thank you, ING! I know, forty years! It almost doesn’t seem possible, does it? I agree with you about El DeBarge. He had everything going for him, that incredible voice, good looks, and a string of hits with DeBarge. I really thought his solo career would have been much bigger and lasted longer. Still, he certainly left us with some wonderful music! And now you’ve got “Rhythm of the Night” stuck in my head! Not that I’m complaining. That’s another one that can instantly transport me back to 1985 and make me want to hit the dance floor! Thanks for… Read more »
You’re so great Paul. After yesterday’s “Pagan Post” it’s always great how you change the musical palate for something completely different! Burning The Ground has always been a marvelously eclectic site and this is why it’s so appealing. The contrast between the records is striking. One is sinister and menacing while today’s is a bright musical confection. “Who’s Johnny” is a fun and upbeat record. I was really happy to have this one brought back. I love the pop, feel good energy of it! When you revisit older songs, we all benefit over your mastery of the art of ripping… Read more »
Thanks, Jeff, for your fantastic comments—you always share such wonderful memories or stories (as a DJ, it’s especially rewarding to know that I’ve helped create a great experience for people, leaving them with a lasting memory). It’s also clear that you possess a wealth of background knowledge about the artists and the songs. Of course, there are others here who are equally knowledgeable—JP, Retro Hound, ING, SynthPapa (and many more; the list would just get too long if I named them all). And as for Paul—well, I don’t even need to say anything, do I? 😉
Jeff, my dear friend, you always know how to make my day! Thank you so much for those wonderful words. They truly mean more to me than you know! One of the things I’ve always loved about Burning The Ground is being able to jump from something dark and mysterious to a bright, feel-good pop record without missing a beat. That’s the beauty of eighties music. There was so much variety, and I love sharing all those different sounds with you! I’m especially touched by what you said about my vinyl transfers. I put a tremendous amount of time, patience,… Read more »
Nice one to re-rip Paul. Very glad with the instrumental. Thanks, very much appreciated!
You’re very welcome, Stefano! I’m glad you’re enjoying the fresh transfer, especially the instrumental! I love how it lets you hear all those wonderful synths, funky bass lines, and little production details that sometimes get overlooked in the vocal version. It’s one of the reasons I love collecting these promotional 12″ singles. Sometimes the B-side is just as much of a treat as the A-side!
Thanks for listening, my friend.
Great choice, great week! Production, very much reminds me of Scritti Politti, “Perfect Way” – both share 4/4 meter, which creates the pulse, groove, and forward momentum. Perfect Way “lightens up” similarly, as both singers adopt a falsetto vocal to change the underlying vibe. Thanks!
Came here to say the exact same thing re: “Perfect Way.” 🙂
Thank you, Raymond! That’s a wonderful comparison! I hadn’t really thought about “Who’s Johnny” and Scritti Politti’s “Perfect Way” together, but now that you mention it, I can certainly hear the similarities. Both have that wonderfully polished mid-eighties production, bright synthesizers, funky rhythms, and those smooth, soaring vocals that give the songs such a lighthearted feel. I’ve always loved Green Gartside’s voice, too. He and El DeBarge both had a way of making even the most carefully produced pop records sound effortless. And you’re right about that steady 4/4 pulse. It keeps everything moving and makes both songs so irresistible… Read more »
Scritti Politti! Of course, as you know Paul, my friend Jason Corsaro worked on “Absolute”, “Don’t Work That Hard” and “Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)” at the PowerStation in NY. I went with him one night when he was working these trax, nobody but us there.
Hard to believe, but it would sometimes get boring, he would replay a section over and over for an hour to get the overall sound he wanted for drums, for instance!