born in sacramento, california, johnston grew up in west virginia in a christian family. he became a beatles fan when he was young, then went off to college but did not finish. he moved to texas to live with his brother, and ended up joining a circus. he left the circus after another worker beat him up for taking too long in a restroom, and found a church in austin, texas that helped him find somewhere to live. johnston's religious beliefs are mentioned in many of his songs, especially on his cd "1990".