Hazel Johnson-Strong

Hazel Johnson-Strong

(January 18, 1944 - May 25, 2011)

At age 5, Hazel began her vocal career singing on “The Talent Showcase” on WFBM channel 6. At 14 she was the featured vocalist with the Larry Liggett Orchestra. She grew up in Indianapolis, went to Crispus Attucks High School and sang with just about every group who played on Indiana Avenue. She has performed with Wes Montgomery, Buddy Montgomery, Groove Holmes, George Benson, Johnny Lytell, Duke Ellington and Mick Fleetwood.

In 1986, Johnson-Strong founded the Indianapolis Women in Jazz Program, showcasing the talents of women performers while also raising funds for scholarships of aspiring students of the music. In 1994 Hazel and her husband Mack Strong founded the Inner-City Music School for children dedicated to providing music instruction for inner-city youth. The program operated on a limited budget but ran for many years and included many of the best jazz musicians in Indianapolis offering educational services free of charge. Johnson-Strong solicited support from The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation and the American Legion that provided instruments and finances for operational support. The ongoing programs were facilitated by various funds raised by Johnson-Strong and interested members of the community.