Rutgers IJS Presents Saxophone Legend Leo Johnson

Born in Daytona Beach, Leo Johnson's interest in mastering his instrument and advancing his art led him to Newark, New Jersey where he took up residence in 1957 and has since become a local legend . He has performed throughout Europe and the U.S. including Birdland in New York City and has recorded and produced two CD's Leo Johnson- It's About Time and Message To Mankind. Not content to merely be just another horn player on the Newark jazz scene, Leo decided to hone his skills in a more diverse milieu and enlisted in the United States Air Force as a bandsman. The Air Force provided Leo with an opportunity to develop his musical talents both as a performer and composer and arranger.

Following his stint in the Air Force, Leo returned to the Newark jazz scene and continued to perform and record with other notable musicians , most notably the organ legend Brother Jack McDuff . In addition, he has been a member of and recorded music with such recognized artists as Chico Mendoza, Jimmy McGriff, "Fathead" Newman, Jimmy Witherspoon and Johnny Hammond. He recorded Live In Paris at Club St. Germain with Rhoda Scott's Trio. He led his own ensembles through the poignant compositions and arrangements he authored.

With an ear open to new talent, Leo has helped to develop young artists who are prominent in today’s jazz scene including Victor Jones, Terrance Blanchard, Andy McCloud, Alan Watson, Michael Clark, Ralph Peterson, the Harper Brothers, the late Woody Shaw and the late David Eubanks, among others. He received three individual proclamations from Newark Mayors Kenneth Gibson and Sharpe James in recognition of his contribution to the arts in Newark, and a fourth as one of Newark's "Jazz Elders from Governor John Corzine. He was featured in the Star-Ledger by George Kanzler as one of 75 of the Garden State‘s great and most influential Jazz figures. He currently teaches music at Essex County College and Arts High and Elliott Street Elementary public schools through the Newark School of the Arts off-site music program.

Join us as we celebrate this local legend with swing and soul!

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Check out the livestream on the Clement's Place Jazz and IJS Facebook pages and on our YouTube channel -

https://www.facebook.com/events/407513298157352/?ref=newsfeed

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf8W7q1qlz0yt5Ebcn4tkSQ

https://www.facebook.com/InstituteJazzStudies