Howard E. Johnson

Not to end up being confused using the tuba participant from the same name, Howard Johnson was a high swing altoist who was simply flexible enough to try out in both bop and dixieland configurations. Johnson proved helpful in Boston early in his profession and, after shifting to NY, he was with Fess Williams, Billy Cato and Adam P. Johnson’s rings. He previously stints with Charlie Johnson, Chick Webb, Elmer Snowden, Benny Carter (1932) and Teddy Hill (1934-37). Johnson caused Claude Hopkins, Benny Carter and Maxine Sullivan in the initial half from the 1940’s and during 1946-48 was an associate of Dizzy Gillespie’s Orchestra. Not really a main soloist, Johnson generally had an attractive build and he continued to be active in to the 1980’s. Among his even more notable later organizations had been with Lem Johnson, Clyde Bernhardt’s Harlem Blues and Jazz Music group and Panama Francis’ Savoy Sultans. Howard Johnson documented over time being a sideman with a multitude of performers including Bessie Smith, Crimson Norvo and Dizzy Gillespie although not as a leader.