Minister of Music Roy James Johnson

Roy James Johnson was born on May 16, 1951, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Lionel

Johnson, Sr. and Audrey Olivia Johnson. He moved from labor to reward on September 13,

2024, surrounded by family and devoted friends. Roy left a lasting legacy of love, friendship,

and faith.

“Dr. Johnson,” as he was affectionately called, was reared in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and

graduated from Southern University Laboratory School in 1969. Roy furthered his education at

Southern University and A&M College, earning both a Bachelor of Instrumental Music in 1973

and a Master of Music Education in 1975. While at Southern, Roy established himself as a

dedicated drumline member, nurturing a lifelong passion for music.

Roy achieved several milestones while at Southern University. He was named band captain

(1972-1973) during his senior year. In 1973, he became an honorary member of the Kappa

Kappa Psi band fraternity and later received life membership in 1976. He was also honored with

an honorary membership in Tau Beta Sigma in 1975. Roy served as president of the Sharps &

Flats and was a charter member of Kappa Kappa Psi. He was an integral part of the renowned

band that became known as the “Human Jukebox,” performing at the 1975 Bayou Classic.

Additionally, he arranged music for the album released in 1975, “The Southern University Jazz

Ensemble with Alvin Batiste – Music Came Live 1971-1976,” and traveled the world

collaborating with acclaimed jazz musicians.

Roy served as associate director of bands at Southern University and A&M College during the

1980s and will forever be a legendary figure in the history of the Human Jukebox. His

exceptional leadership, passion for precision, and love for music continue to solidify the

Southern University Marching Band's place in history as one of the most respected collegiate

bands in the nation. Roy’s vision and dedication inspired countless musicians, leaving an

indelible mark on the world of HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) bands. His

legacy of musicianship and showmanship will live on in every performance, every note, and

every heart he touched. After graduating, Roy served nine years as the associate band director at

Southern University. He then labored professionally with many recording artists, including

Gladys Knight. After 16 rewarding years, Roy exited the musical stage.

His punctuality was legendary, driven by the motto he learned as a band student and director:

"To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is to be zipped."

In 1990, Roy accepted a new role as an associate band director at Delaware State University. He

would spend the subsequent years of his life working alongside and creating beautiful music with

his brother, Randolph Johnson, Director of Bands. In true trailblazing fashion, Roy is credited as

the first to incorporate rap into halftime shows, the inventor of the dance break in marching band

routines, and the visionary who transformed the halftime performance announcer into an

engaging performer. His innovative impacts and influences have revolutionized the

performances of HBCU bands across the nation.

Throughout his career, Roy received numerous accolades for his dedication to music. Notably,

he was honored by Delaware State University at its Founders' Day Program on February 19,

2015, celebrating the university's 125th anniversary. During this event, his brother Randolph, the

DSU Director of Bands, recognized Roy for his contributions to HBCU Bands. On November

21, 2015, Roy was the guest conductor of the DSU Band and conducted them performing his

arrangement of "End of the Road," marking the culmination of Randolph's 40-year career as a

band director.

Life took a turn after Roy left his job at Delaware State University. God had a unique plan to

engage Roy in something that would prove to be even more meaningful to him. Although he was

already a Christian, he often shared with others that it was later in life that he desired to serve

God in a new way. The way God revealed this was nothing short of a miracle. In 1998, as Bishop

Carl Johnson was working in the church, he felt a spiritual urge to look for the instruments he

would furnish the new edifice with. While in prayer, God told him what to say. When Bishop

Johnson went into the stores, he would ask, "Does the musician come with the instruments?"

Many store associates laughed at such an odd question. However, Bishop Johnson kept asking

until he ended up at a store where an employee asked if he knew Roy Johnson. Of course, he did

not, but he selected instruments anyway and made a deposit. His spirit remained unsettled.

Finally, someone suggested Jacobs Music, and God led Bishop Johnson to Roy, where he was

working at the time. When Bishop asked the question, Roy paused and said, "As a matter of fact,

I am looking for a new church home." The conversation they had that day was forever cemented

in Roy's heart. He officially joined the Highway Church of Christ Pillar & Ground of Truth on

opening day, July 16, 2000; he was the first member of the Chester, PA location. Roy was

baptized in Jesus' name on opening day, and God filled him with the Holy Ghost. He would often

testify with tears in his eyes that he couldn't believe that it took him so long to answer God's call.

With his wealth of knowledge and mastery, it was not surprising that he was given the honorary

title of “Dr. Johnson.” Although Roy advised that he did not have a doctorate, the title was

affectionately bestowed by all who knew him. He did not concern himself with titles, whether it

was Dr. Johnson, Mr. Johnson, Brother Johnson, or just plain Roy. By the grace of God, he was

who he was. Dr. Johnson's unwavering devotion to God's Word was a testament to his deep-

rooted faith. Roy had a profound love for his Bishop's preaching. Often, during the message,

when he felt the need to encourage him, he wouldn't hesitate to shout out, "I stood you,

PASTOR!" Roy's passion for God was contagious, and he generously shared God's love and

grace with those around him, inspiring them to deepen their faith. Roy was appointed Minister

of Music at Highway Church of Christ Pillar and Ground of Truth and served as such for 25

years until his passing. Under his leadership and direction, the Pillar & Ground of Truth Church

band and choir ministry was second to none. His dedication to his family, church, and

community was unwavering, and his selflessness inspired all who knew him.

Roy's passion for music was infectious. He shared his gift of playing by ear, love for high notes,

and ability to create moments when the music hit in perfect harmony. In choir rehearsals, he

demanded excellence and encouraged everyone to push themselves to their limits and to not fear

high notes. "High notes are just another note," he would often say.

He often expressed his excitement with goosebumps when the choir or praise team performed a

phrase or song flawlessly. If the choir or praise team seemed hesitant or lacked confidence, Roy

would offer encouragement, assuring them that his loud voice was a sign of excitement, not

anger. "I'm not angry; I'm just excited!" he always said. Regardless of the method, everyone

knew he was dedicated to allowing the spirit of God to flow freely through the music. Roy was a

master musician. He could play every instrument he studied and excelled in, particularly the

saxophone and organ. His gift of hearing and playing a song almost instantly was just one

testament to his extraordinary musical abilities.

At the heart of Roy's life was his family. He adored his children and would do anything for them,

but his daughter had a very special place in his heart. He lovingly referred to Tiffany as his "little

cheerio." Roy was always proud of his son, Byron, and he would always encourage Byron to be

his best self and a good father. Roy had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh with them. It

was no secret how he loved his grandchildren. They affectionately called him "Pop-Pop.” He

cherished every moment with them.

On April 12, 2003, Roy and Nancy were joined in holy matrimony. For 21 years, Nancy was the

love of his life. Their extraordinary bond was cemented in 2017 when Nancy generously donated

a kidney to Roy, which came to be affectionately known as "Little Nancy," after his battle with

kidney failure. Her gift extended his life by seven precious years, during which he continued to

share his passion for music, family, and community. Roy and Nancy were inseparable—often

seen together wherever they went.

Roy was known for his humility, easygoing nature, and ability to connect with people from all

walks of life. He was a master negotiator and a jack of all trades, excelling in everything he

decided to do. While he wasn't much of a cook, he enjoyed grilling any food prepared by Nancy.

One of Roy's favorite holidays was Thanksgiving; he knew Nancy would prepare all of his

favorite dishes, including shrimp and gizzard dressing, seafood gumbo, crab and crawfish

étouffée, red beans and rice, lemon chess pie, and crab angel eggs. In his spare time, Roy loved

playing "Airport City," watching basketball and football (cheering for the Eagles and the Saints),

and listening to New Orleans brass bands, especially Trombone Shorty, jazz, and gospel music.

Roy was the proud owner of Vintage Hammond Service alongside his business partners, Billy

and Dorian. Together, they worked tirelessly to provide exceptional service to their clients. They

specialized in servicing and repairing Hammond organs for churches in the tri-state area. Always

focused on helping the body of Christ, Roy was faithful, dedicated to the church, and went above

and beyond to ensure that the churches he serviced through his business were well taken care of.

Left to sustain Roy's legacy are his beloved wife, Nancy Johnson, of Bear, DE; daughter, Tiffany

Harris of Philadelphia, PA; son, Byron A. Johnson of Bear, DE; three cherished grandchildren,

Jeremiah Oehman, Drake Mendez-Johnson, and Penelope Mendez-Johnson; two brothers, Lionel

James Johnson, Jr. (Jimmie Nell) of Hampton, AR, and Randolph James Johnson (Diana) of

Byram, MS; one half-sister, Barbara Jean Claverie of Gretna, LA; one step-sister, Charlene Jones

of Baton Rouge, LA; niece and nephews, Katrice Terrance (Brandon, Sr.); Lionel James

Johnson, III (Crystal), Kevin Williams (Chandra), all of Baton Rouge, LA; goddaughter,

LeTricia L. Burns of Baton Rouge, LA; godson Myron Cooper, Jr. of New Castle, DE; close

friends Nathaniel Dyer and Maurice Manuel Miles; and a host of cousins, church family, and

friends.

Roy was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roy and Fannie Robinson; parents, Lionel and

Audrey Johnson, Sr.; stepfather, Matthew Johnson; step-sister, Diane Pelichet; granddaughter,

Arianna Reyes-Johnson; nephew, Melvin Claverie, Jr.; brother-in-law, Melvin Claverie, Sr.;

sister, Gaynell Johnson; and one of his closest friends, Carnell Knighten.