Howard Johnson
08/07/1941 to 01/11/2021
I am deeply saddened to announce that Howard, my beloved partner of many years, passed away the morning of January 11th after a long illness. Plans for a memorial service will be announced in the near future.
During his remarkable life, Howard dedicated himself to creating a distinctive jazz legacy, and to advancing the stature and versatility of his signature instrument, the tuba. It is his wish that—in lieu of flowers or other tributes—memorial donations be made to benefit The Howard Johnson Tuba Jazz Program Fund at Penn State, an endowment which will provide a residency program for low brass musicians and baritone sax. Donations to the fund can be received at: raise.psu.edu/CelebratingHowardLJohnson
Thanks for all the love and appreciation you have shown Howard over the many years he has charmed and amazed us. And for your kind support during this difficult time.
Nancy Olewine
Recipient of the 2017 Hot House Award for Best Jazz Player: Howard Johnson!
Testimony Now Available!
Howard Johnson & Gravity: Testimony
Available Now in CD or Digital Download! Read the Reviews For Testimony Here!
Available Now in CD or Digital Download! Read the Reviews For Testimony Here!
Howard's Liner Notes for Testimony
|
|
Check out this video of my own liner notes for Testimony! I sat down with Chris Napierala from Seed Artists and discussed all things jazz, tuba, Gravity and, of course, Testimony. In this video, I discuss the background of the album and each track with some personal stories and anecdotes. Enjoy!
|
One of the top tuba soloists since the early '60s, Howard Johnson is a very versatile player who not only plays tuba and baritone but other reeds and cornet. He moved to New York in 1963, where he worked with Charles Mingus (1964-1966), Hank Crawford, and Archie Shepp. In 1966, he started a 20-year off-and-on association with Gil Evans. Johnson's four-tuba group Substructure performed with Taj Mahal, and, in the late '70s, he formed a different tuba band called Gravity that, in 1996, finally had the opportunity to record (plus play at the Monterey Jazz Festival). Howard Johnson has recorded with Crawford (1983-1984), Jack DeJohnette's Special Edition, Jimmy Heath, Bob Moses, George Gruntz's Concert Jazz Band, and frequently with Evans' orchestra, among others.
Howard Johnson and musical group Gravity's latest musical offering, Testimony, has further solidified Johnson's status as the King of Jazz Tuba. Testimony has received high praise across the board and is must-have addition to any jazz lover's collection. Testimony and more Howard Johnson music can be found here.
Howard Johnson and musical group Gravity's latest musical offering, Testimony, has further solidified Johnson's status as the King of Jazz Tuba. Testimony has received high praise across the board and is must-have addition to any jazz lover's collection. Testimony and more Howard Johnson music can be found here.