“Pookie” Johnson

Alonzo “Pookie” Johnson

(October 5, 1927 – September 3, 2005)

“Pookie” Johnson was born and raised in Indianapolis.  His father was a tenor saxophonist and organist who lived in the neighborhood but did not play a significant role in Johnson’s upbringing.  “Pookie” attended Crispus Attucks High School where, like so many others, he received his musical training from Russell Brown, LaVerne Newsome and Norman Merrifield. In 1945 he enlisted in the Air Force and played in the Special Services Band which traveled the world.  Returning to Indianapolis after the war, he joined local bands and orchestras and spent several years touring. 

Johnson appeared regularly at many of the clubs on Indiana Avenue.  He had mastered most of the wind instruments and the piano.  At various times he played with the Ink Spots, Wes Montgomery, JJ Johnson, Freddie Hubbard, Larry Ridley, James Moody and the Hampton Sisters. 

After retiring from the US Post office, Johnson found time to teach children about the joy of music.  He taught low income, inner-city youth the rudiments of music through a Saturday morning program organized by Mack Strong and Hazel Johnson-Strong in partnership with the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation and Indianapolis Public Schools.