Longtime radio and television personality ‘Super Jay’ Johnson has passed away at the age of 78 after a long illness.
Johnson, a native of Louisville, began his career in Chicago at WGRT and then WVON where he hosted afternoons through much of the 1970s. During his tenure in Chicago, Johnson also served as a booth announcer for WBBM-TV. Johnson would then join then 105.7 WTLC-FM Indianapolis as Program Director and afternoon host.
His obituary notes, “He was instrumental in elevating both the station and the city during the 1980s and 1990s, bringing world-renowned entertainers, athletes, activists, and thought leaders to Indianapolis’ premier events, including the Indiana Black Expo and the Circle City Classic. Under his leadership, WTLC was named Black Radio Exclusive’s Station of the Year in 1980 and 1984, and Billboard’s Soul Station of the Year in 1981. During the 1980’s, Johnson also worked in television in Indianapolis, serving as an entertainment reporter and weatherman, and hosting the public affairs program Black Focus on CBS affiliate WISH-TV. Among his many honors, he was named Billboard’s Announcer and Program Director of the Year, received multiple Black Radio Exclusive awards, and earned one of Indiana’s highest civilian honors, the Sagamore of the Wabash.”
Johnson would later hold roles at ABC Radio Networks based in Dallas and Westwood One in Los Angeles before launching his own JJE Voice Works voiceover studio in Plano TX.
This story first appeared on radioinsight.com