Jazzman H. Johnson reflects on B.B. King's influence on blues music

October 5th, 2023

H. Johnson is receiving the Presidential Volunteers Service Award from the National Black Radio Hall of Fame. (WABE)

Veteran radio host and jazz and blues aficionado H. Johnson will be honored with a Presidential Volunteers Service Award at the National Black Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony this weekend.

Johnson, who is being honored for his work of keeping Jazz alive, has been a host on WABE 90.1 FM for more than 40 years. The Jazzman is the host of “Blues Classics With H. Johnson” and “Jazz Classics With H. Johnson.”

Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look” began a three-part series in honor of Johnson.

First up, “Closer Look” revisits Rose Scott’s 2015 conversation with Johnson, as he offers reflections about singer and guitarist B.B. King’s life and legacy and the significance of southern blues music.

“You can’t deny what is real and that type of blues is real,” Johnson said. “The lyrics in some of these blues tunes is so simple, but yet so profound.”