Jazz Legend, “Dr. J” Goes on to Glory.

With sad and heavy hearts we are sorry to hear that Dr. James Johnson, Jr., founder of the Afro-American Music Institute in Pittsburgh, Band Leader for Jazz @ Emmanuel for over 30 years, husband of Pamela, father and grandfather, mentor for many, and an inspiration to us all – has passed away after an illness.

Our prayers are will all who mourn this amazing man – his talent, his gentle, loving spirit, his fierce advocacy for supporting young Afro-American kids to express themselves in music and above all, his devotion to his God who raised him up to be a guiding light for so many.

Thank you, Dr. J, for your contribution to so many in so many ways.

Rest in Peace and enjoy playing for the angels. They did not know JAZZ was coming to a heaven near them!

On behalf of the congregation at Emmanuel, we will miss you.

Dr. J at the piano with Benjamin May on bass, James Johnson III, on Drums, and Lou Schreiber on horns.