Klarinet Archive - Posting 000059.txt from 2010/01
From: tedcasher@-----.net
Subj: [kl] Fwd: Dick Johnson
Date: Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:38:23 -0500
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Hi fellow members. I am just passing this obit on, for those who had heard=
him play the clarinet. Dick was a monster jazz player, an exemplary band =
leader, and a student of the medium. I have lost a friend, a teacher, a me=
ntor, and a fellow participant in gastronomic events. He will be sorely mi=
ssed. Luv & peace to all---Ted Casher
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Local and national jazz great, Dick Johnson, died suddenly on Jan 10, 2010 =
at the age of 84. Dick grew up in Brockton with his widowed mother, Bertha =
and sister Rachel. Dick has countless wonderful memories of his beloved mot=
her and sister and credits them for his interest in music. Dick, his sister=
, and neighborhood friends would often gather around while Bertha played pi=
ano, and others would play or sing. Dick=E2=80=99s musical heritage extends=
to his uncle, Mayhew Lake, a noted arranger and his cousin, Suzanne Lake, =
who performed for years in musical theatre. Johnson began his musical caree=
r in the navy band on the USS Pasadena during WWII. He credits his stint in=
the Navy, and the many talented musicians within this ship, as the impetus=
of his illustrious career.=20
Following the war, Dick toured with the big bands of Charlie Spivak and Bud=
dy Morrow. After several years on the road, he settled in his hometown of B=
rockton, Mass., where he and close friend, Lou Colombo, formed a jazz sexte=
t that lasted 10 years and a musical kinship that lasted for the rest of hi=
s life. Beyond this collaboration, Dick formed his septet, =E2=80=9CSwing S=
hift=E2=80=9D, which was a staple on the Boston music scene for many years.=
=20
Johnson enjoyed a career that included performing and/or recording with suc=
h jazz luminaries as: Dave McKenna, Herb Pomeroy, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gil=
lespie, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Buddy Rich, and old pal, Lou Colombo. =
He has also gained much notoriety for his recordings on Emarcy, Riverside, =
and Concord Jazz labels.=20
Some of his career highlights, of which Dick was most proud, were: being ha=
ndpicked by his idol, Artie Shaw to form and lead a big band, under Artie=
=E2=80=99s name, which Dick headed from 1983-2006, and performing at Carneg=
ie Hall on several occasions throughout his career.=20
Mr. Johnson truly enjoyed a wonderful life. He was a unique person who live=
d his passion and realized his dreams through his love of music. He was wel=
l respected in the Jazz community and will be lovingly missed by his contem=
poraries, as well as his many friends and family.=20
Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Rose (Fuggetti) Johnson o=
f Brockton, son, Gary Johnson and daughter-in-law, Jane Johnson of Easton, =
Daughter, Pamela (Johnson) Sargent and son-in-law Gray Sargent of Waltham, =
Grandchildren, Daniel and Sarah Johnson of Easton, and many beloved nieces,=
nephews, cousins and in-laws. Dick was the beloved brother of the late Rac=
hel Johnson Smith.=20
A Remembrance Service will be held in the Conley Funeral Home 138 Belmont S=
treet (Rte 123) Brockton Thursday at 10 am. Visiting hours Wednesday 2-4 & =
6-8 pm. A Celebration of Dick=E2=80=99s life will be held at a later date. =
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Dick=E2=80=99s name to the=
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 9 Erie Drive Natick, MA 01760 or Alzheimer's A=
ssoc. 311 Arsenal Street Watertown, MA 02472. For condolences and direction=
s www.conleyfuneralhome.com=20
Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. Sign up now.=
=20
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