Marcus Johnson was born in Columbus, Ohio. Johnson studied music production at the University of Miami. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music at Howard University, where he was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. At Georgetown University, he earned both an M.B.A. and a J.D. degree.

Johnson grew up listening to a wide variety of music, but found his calling in jazz, where he incorporates the rhythms of rap with R&B. His interest in jazz became apparent when he began playing piano at the age of 13. Johnson's stepfather purchased his first keyboard after winning Maryland's Pick 3 Lottery. Johnson was inspired to learn traditional and contemporary jazz music by observing other musicians, including Joe Sample and Thelonious Monk.

While studying at Georgetown, Johnson established Marimelj Entertainment Group, Inc., a production company and music publishing firm. Johnson's success with his albums caught the attention of BET founder and businessman Robert L.Johnson, who invested in Marimelj. Under their partnership, Marimelj's label, Three Keys Music, established its own full-service recording studio, Studio 8121, as well as two music publishing companies: Marimelj Music Publishing and Three Keys Music Publishing.

Three Keys started as a local record label. The record label also features and produces music for national jazz artists: Michael Lington, Jaared Arosemena, Bobby Lyle, Nick Colionne, R&B singer Alyson Williams, neo-soul singer Zahzarah, and smooth jazz saxophonists Phillip Martin and Brian Lenair.

To date, Marcus has released over fifteen Billboard-charted albums. The release of Poetically Justified (2009) and This is How I Rock (2011), which were Top 20 Contemporary Jazz CDs, solidified Marcus Johnson as the heir apparent to the funky urban groove music style and sound made famous by legendary jazz greats, George Duke and Herbie Hancock. An independent Billboard-ranked musician, NAACP Image Award nominee, owner of FLO Brands and FLO Wine, JD and MBA, philanthropist, father, friend... and so much more! What is FLO (For the Love Of)? It represents the journey through which we discover those things in life that fulfill us and make each experience a little better. For the love of life, self, happiness, passion, joy…love itself.