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 mother and sister and credits them for his interest in music. Dick, his sister, and neighborhood friends would often gather around while Bertha played piano, and others would play or sing. Dick’s 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 career 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.
Following the war, Dick toured with the big bands of Charlie Spivak and Buddy Morrow. After several years on the road, he settled in his hometown of Brockton, Mass., where he and close friend, Lou Colombo, formed a jazz sextet that lasted 10 years and a musical kinship that lasted for the rest of his life. Beyond this collaboration, Dick formed his septet, “Swing Shift”, which was a staple on the Boston music scene for many years.
Johnson enjoyed a career that included performing and/or recording with such jazz luminaries as: Dave McKenna, Herb Pomeroy, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, 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.
Some of his career highlights, of which Dick was most proud, were: being handpicked by his idol, Artie Shaw to form and lead a big band, under Artie’s name, which Dick headed from 1983-2006, and performing at Carnegie Hall on several occasions throughout his career.
Mr. Johnson truly enjoyed a wonderful life. He was a unique person who lived his passion and realized his dreams through his love of music. He was well respected in the Jazz community and will be lovingly missed by his contemporaries, as well as his many friends and family.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Rose (Fuggetti) Johnson of 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 Rachel Johnson Smith.
A Remembrance Service will be held in the Conley Funeral Home 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123) Brockton Thursday at 10 am. Visiting hours Wednesday 2-4 & 6-8 pm. A Celebration of Dick’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Dick’s name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 9 Erie Drive Natick, MA 01760 or Alzheimer's Assoc. 311 Arsenal Street Watertown, MA 02472. For condolences and directions www.conleyfuneralhome.com