Milwaukee’s Grammy-Nominated Cellist Malik Johnson Makes History as Betty Brinn Children’s Museum’s First Artist-in-Residence, Writing Theme Song

Family-Friendly Theme Song

Back in 2020, Carvd N Stone reported that Milwaukee cellist Malik Johnson received a Grammy certificate for his cello work on Kirk Franklin’s Album, Long Live Love. Five years later, Johnson is making history as the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum’s first artist-in-residence. Since Milwaukee Day (April 14, 2025), Johnson has spent six months providing new ways for kids to learn at the museum, specifically focusing on social-emotional learning.

According to a press release, the mission of the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum is to inspire all children to wonder and explore their world through play and innovative, hands-on learning experiences. The museum opened in 1995 and serves almost 200,000 visitors each year.

Through his residency, Johnson has hosted weekly interactive performances and community conversations, which provided children and caregivers a way to learn through music and explore themes like dreaming big dreams, positive self-expression, discovering personal talents, and setting and achieving goals.

“Whether it’s music, dance, or whatever…I always encourage people to express themselves in an artistic way, even if it’s not long-term,” said Johnson.

At one of Johnson’s workshops, a parent shared that she and her child now start their mornings by creating Music with Malik, where they tune into his YouTube channel to kick off the day.

Johnson’s residency comes to an end this month, and by the time it’s over, he will have completed almost 10 hours of live cello playing with museum guests and hosted four hours of Toddler Talkbacks, among other things. But one of his biggest tasks was creating a theme song for the museum.

The theme song is inspired by Johnson’s interactions with families and will be played live on August 27, 2025, at the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in Milwaukee.

Creating Representation in Cello

Johnson, also known as 99TheProducer, is a classically trained cellist, composer, and music producer. Johsnon has taught music to youth across Southeastern Wisconsin and Illinois. He’s performed alongside artists like Stevie Wonder, John Legend, and PJ Morton. Johnson uses his passion and skills on the cello to engage with youth and community members.

With all of his accomplishments, and as a Black man from the Northside of Milwaukee, Johnson has become the representation he didn’t see in other cellists.

The cello is a traditional instrument that has been around for hundreds of years, and most people who typically play the instrument don’t look like Johnson. Johnson took that and ran with it, and decided to diversify the field, while adding his own flair. He said he chose the cello because he wanted to play his favorite artists in a new way, like Michael Jackson. Johnson plays traditional music but is also known for his skills of taking Hip Hop and R&B and mixing it with the cello, playing songs from famous artists like SZA or local artists like J.P. He’s even found a way to bring in technology with his cello, by using guitar pedals, loopers, and more.

As an artist from Milwaukee, Johnson hopes that the city’s music scene continues to grow.

“I feel like Milwaukee is one of the most underrated cities in music and arts,” said Johnson. “We got all kinds of vibes.”