Michael Johns offers free MP3 to fans

Former American Idol finalist, Michael Johns, released “Hold Back My Heart,” his new solo album, last week. The 12 song collection was produced by Dave Cobb (Brooke White, Shooter Jennings) and features the hit single “Heart on My Sleeve” which Amazon.com is giving away for free this week! Johns filmed a video for the track which will be premiering next month.

While the Australian singer was in New York City last week promoting Hold Back My Heart, he stopped by the studios of UGO.com where he filmed an acoustic video performance of a few songs from the album. Below is John’s stripped down version of “To Love Somebody” which was originally written by the Bee Gees for Otis Redding back in 1967. Unfortunately, the soul legend tragically died in a plan crash before he ever had the chance to record it. The song has gone on to be covered by artists as varied as Billy Corgan, Nina Simone, Damien Rice, and Ace of Base, among others. Check out Michael Johns’ stirring version below.

“TO LOVE SOMEBODY” video performance embed code: