Search by Name

Search by Name

Vann Johnson Obituary

November 13, 1960 - September 27, 2017 Our beloved Vann Johnson made her transition into the heavenly arms of our creator. The message in her magical voice will forever live on. Vann moved from Flint, MI, to Los Angeles in 1990 to pursue her singing career. Her vocal credits included recordings, appearances and tours with Michael Bolton, David Foster, Kenny G, Patti LaBelle, Elton John, Kenny Rogers and Ringo Starr. She performed on the Grammy Awards, BET Awards, The Tonight Show, Oprah, The Singing Bee and Yanni's "Love Is All" at the Taj Mahal. She also co-wrote and produced her own album, Messages. Vann recently fulfilled her lifelong dream of working toward a college degree and was accepted to the University of California San Diego for her senior year. Vann is survived by her only child LaShann (Marcus) Harris of Flint, MI; grandchildren Tianna L. Dailey of Laguna Niguel, CA, Torrey Harris, Alecia J. Harris, Alexandria J. Harris, and Alana J. Harris; father Matthew Taylor; sisters Mattlon (Henry Pete Roberts) and Sophia J. Taylor, all of Flint; and brothers Markantoney J. Taylor, also of Flint, and Delvin Wilson of Austin, TX. She was preceded in death by her mother Ethel (Bell) Taylor; grandparents John and Carrie (Mctier) Skinner and Tonie and Bertha (Porter) Taylor; and nephew Zion Roberts. Her family and friends ask that, in the memory of Ms. Johnson, you donate patience to one another, kindness to a stranger and, most important, love to yourself and to the world.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Oct. 5 to Oct. 7, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Vann Johnson

Not sure what to say?





Darlene

July 24, 2025

I just loved watching her perform with Michael Bolton and Yanni. She was a phenomenal talent. Rest in peace Vann. I am sure you are blowing up heaven with song and praise

Craig merriman

July 23, 2025

What a treasure, a marvellous talent. I have nostalgia because of her. I fell in love with her from her work with Yanni. Was watching her performance tonight. She will not be forgotten!

CLARISSA MOSLEY

June 30, 2025

I´m crying to the heavens to know I just found you and you are with our creator. Your spirit will never fade because you still speak to us in song.
Heavenly Father thank you for sharing your angel with the universe

Hattie

June 24, 2025

I can still hear your beautiful voice. R.I.P.

Brian Goggin

June 23, 2025

So sad to know this. I loved her voice with Yanni.

Larai, Abuja - Nigeria

April 6, 2025

You were a passionate singer. Today, in 2025, I just learned of your passing to glory. Rest on! May your family and loved ones continue to find solace in Jesus christ the Lord. Amen

Richard Allen Turner MD

March 24, 2025

"Her family and friends ask that, in the memory of Ms. Johnson, you donate patience to one another, kindness to a stranger and, most important, love to yourself and to the world."

WOW. Such class and grace. Cried like a baby when I read that.

Incredible message from a beautiful family.

Richard Allen Turner MD

March 24, 2025

I only "knew" Ms. Johnson through her music.

What a gift her powerful voice was to the world. I can´t watch "Love Is All" too many times.

More importantly though, a beautiful human gone FAR too soon.

Sincerest condolences to her friends and family.

February 12, 2025

.. .

Hattie

January 27, 2025

I still can´t believe you´re gone. Rest In Heaven.

June

January 26, 2025

Just learning of the passing of Vann Johnson. Gone too soon. It seems that great talents do not live long on this earth.
Her rendition of " Love is all " with Yanni is so beautiful and powerful. Rest in peace
My sincere condolences to her family and fans.

Sol Palestina

January 24, 2025

Oh my, I am from Mexico and I admire her so much and until now I know she passed, so sad, my sincere condolences for her family, sending love to all of you

Su

January 1, 2025

Cuanto lo siento, estarás ahora cantando a los angeles

Gregg

November 12, 2024

It was August 16, 1991 that I first saw you on stage, and heard that voice that was, and will always remain simply beyond words. Thank you for giving the gift of your voice. It will continue to shake my soul, and bring a tear to my eye, until the day I take my final breath.

Seneferu Khepera

November 3, 2024

Your duet with Gary Taylor on "All Or Nothing At All". really touched my heart . You are now an angel singing with the angels .
Love, Seneferu

Seneferu Khepera

November 3, 2024

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Wanda Dowless

October 19, 2024

There are no words to convey the beauty of her voice. I loved her singing, and how she took one to another place as she sang like a songbird. I'm sure she's singing with the Angel's!

Wanda Williams Wellman

September 15, 2024

It´s 2024, and I´m just now knowing that this incredible artist passed in 2017.
"Love is all" was such a powerful song. I will continue to play and think of her and her family..with love, my condolences from, PeachtreeCity, Georgia
Wanda Williams Wellman

Hussein Aljanabi

August 24, 2024

Dear Ms. Johnson, thank you for blessing our world with your absolutely magical voice. I have never heard anything this heavenly in my life. Your voice brings comfort to anyone that can listen. I promise you that your memory will live on, you will not be forgotten. Enjoy your eternal peace.

Maxi

August 22, 2024

I still can't believe you are gone, you made me listen and follow yanni, "Love is all" is and has always been the best. I missed your chats, your hi , you were a real soul. Rest in peace my Queen.
Maxi

Yaz Jè

August 18, 2024

"Love is All" is a phenomenal song sung by Ms Johnson. I have the video as well as the song in my music library. I just shared it with a group of friends last week, however, I saw the video for the 100th time a couple of months ago, but this time there was an "In Memory" notation and I was both shocked and heartbroken. Certainly gone much too soon was a beautiful woman with a beautiful voice and unmatched poise. I feel comforted that she is resting in God's Memory.

Tim

August 15, 2024

A talented gift to the world taken away far too soon. Thank you for all you gave us.

Eugene

August 14, 2024

Rest on Ms Johnson you truly were a blessing to the world

H. Dove

August 3, 2024

I still listen to the song Love is all. What an incredible voice. R.I.P.

Ray J GP Oregon

August 2, 2024

I stumbled across the yanni video on YouTube a few weeks ago and cannot get the song sung by Ms Johnson, love is all out of my mind!!! What a wonderful inspiration she creates through her voice. God bless her and her family.

Marian

July 29, 2024

Frumoasa, talentata, te vom iubi si aprecia vesnic

Kosts

July 7, 2024

Always in my heart

Kostas

July 7, 2024

Rest in peace beautiful lady!
Nobody will ever replace you.
BEST VOICE EVER!

gino guidotti

May 12, 2024

cantante straordinaria sublime riposa in pace

Terrance

May 3, 2024

Such a beautiful and talented woman. Surely made her mark. Gone but lives on in her music.

Alex

April 1, 2024

Rest in Peace, beautiful soul

Frank Weglein

March 31, 2024

Sad to hear of her passing in 2017.I just loved her voice and beauty...It's 2024 and I am in shock..She's in heaven and will see her oneday I hope..Love you Van Johnson..

Dominic Martin

March 27, 2024

Sad to hear of her passing. Beautiful voice especially working with Gary Taylor "All or Nothing at All was one of the most Beautiful songs I ever heard. She will be Truely missed.

Edith Frank

March 23, 2024

I'm shocked to hear of her passing. Such a sweet soul with an amazing voice. Loved her performances in Yanni's Tribute. It is well with her family and all loved ones she left behind.

Susan Worman

March 15, 2024

I just read of her passing.Heaven has gained a special Angel.I loved listening to her sing with Yanni.

Daniel John - Nwankwere

March 10, 2024

I was listening to Yanni and was surprised by her beautiful voice. She truly is a legend. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

Terrance

March 1, 2024

Beautiful voice. Gives credence to the saying that the Best die young.

david chavez

February 29, 2024

Words can't touch the depth and power of her angelic voice. Her genuine and sincere vocal presence was a pure vessel for heartfelt love that caused a vibration in my body with uncontrolled tears, adding to my sureness that the great and holy spirit exists in the unseen. What a medium! El es dios!

Linda

February 23, 2024

She was an amazing singer. I saw her in person when she toured with Michael Bolton. I also listened to Yanni's dvd of the Taj Mahal when she sang "Love Is All". Absolutely beautiful. May she RIP.

Chuks Ohaka

February 14, 2024

Vann's performances were always electrifying. Just learnt about her death and frankly am shocked.
The music industry and the world will definitely miss her.

Pramod Jayakar

January 22, 2024

So beautifully intense in her performance on stage, Vann's singing was extraordinary in Love Is All. It is so sad that she was taken from this world so early. Rest In Peace Vann Johnson. You are missed.

William C. Johnson

January 2, 2024

What a force of nature! I caught her singing at a Yanni concert in India and truly felt she was channeling the divine. Her singing was so powerful, it made me weep.

Rosa Sullivan

November 19, 2023

I just found out that the very talented angelic voice of our day Vann Johnson passed away. My heart aches for the world who lost a very gifted individual whose powerful voice united the cultures in songs " We are one" and "Love is all." I cried on these two performances. It made my heart ache for unity and peace in our world. That is the message of hope that someday the whole world can live in unity and peace. I can just imagine Vann singing for a whole new audience in Heaven. May God be with her family in thier lifetime of mourning and may God let your family know that you did not cry alone when God saw fit to take this beautiful caring individual home. I hope to see her in heaven singing with all those souls who left us way to soon on earth. May God bring the peace that passes all understanding to her family. My deepest condolences to all the family. Sincerely, Rosa Sullivan

Nnadi Martins

November 11, 2023

Her voice consoles me whenever im angry, i am pained just to find out now that she is no more since 6 years now. Vann may your soul find peace in the hand of the almighty

MUSTHAPHA

October 18, 2023

May your soul rest in eternal peace
Attractive artistic face
Your incredibly powerful and beautiful voice will always remain in my mind.
Dear vann

Donna Z

October 6, 2023

Stunning talent. So sad when I heard she had passed. Donna

Darlene a huge fan

September 30, 2023

A beautiful voice. I sill listen to her performance with Yanni. My 2year old granddaughter loves her voice. She was truly gifted. Still saddened by her lost

Pablo Córdova C.

September 29, 2023

unforgotale human been, singer, person, person and family member

Fred Wesley

September 20, 2023

Recently hearing of Vann´s passing. Went to elementary with Vann Dort School, Flint Mi. She was a very smart nice young girl who cared herself very classy even as a child. I knew as a kid that her name would one day be in lights and she would be something very special as an adult. RIH Vann!

Grant Goeters

September 11, 2023

vann is missed. She was amazing musician. Love Is all says it all.

Single Memorial Tree

Emily Siami

Planted Trees

John IDEYI

September 7, 2023

I had just learned of Ms Johnson passing today. May you continue to rest in peace. We all miss you.

Shahram brokhim

September 3, 2023

I am sorry she is not singing anymore, I can not stop listening to her love is all. I want to see her and tell her she put me in tears. Miss you Vann

Imran Will

August 23, 2023

She was a gift to human history. It´s blessing to have lived to hear her beautiful voice. Condolences to her family and friends. We fell in love with her voice and I pray that one day we get to hear the voice amongst the heavenly choir.

Portia Meachem

July 17, 2023

I was shocked to hear about Ms. Johnson's passing. The first time I heard her sing with Yanni (Love is All), I could not stop replaying that song. I thought she was so beautiful with such a strong, powerful voice. I love this song so much. She will be missed.

Anthony J Okorowski

June 22, 2023

I was so shocked to hear of her passing. I am so sorry she was definitely a star That shines bright every night, I am from Michigan and also lived in Orange County California.
I watch her repeatedly in the Yani video singing love is all.
She was a class act and I see her family lives by the words in her song!
Thankful she left a song in our heart

Tedi Ramseur

June 21, 2023

Love is All with her vocals and performance has truly made a place in my heart and life I am grateful and grieved in the crossing over of the only performance that has touched my soul. And with her birthday one day after mine I totally understand why our Lord would want her in his choir as lead vocalist " Love is All"

Cindy cavagnaro

March 29, 2023

She had a powerful and beautiful voice and presence She will always be a favorite. Her LOVE IS ALL was so pure and beautiful performance. God bless her....and family.

Julie Hansen

March 21, 2023

She is a beautiful soul. I am sure she is singing with the angels. Beautiful Beautiful voice and so classy. My mother died of Cancer and I feel that their presents is gods wish. May all of her family be at peace and know what an impact she has had on people and the beautiful music she created. I watch Yanni and her performance was mind blowing. May she rest in Peace

Hattie

March 12, 2023

I still listen to that beautiful song. Love is all

Angela Reza

March 11, 2023

"Love is All". Says it all...
What a beautiful voice!
She will always be remembered!!!

John shettle

March 9, 2023

Hugs, I first heard her voice when watching the yanni "tribute " Concert on DVD. She will never be forgotten in my heart! Her voice was unmatched!

Pablo Cordova

January 10, 2023

I still hear your songs, You will live for ever, dear unforgettable Vann. Your fantastic voice never will be
equalizer.

Anthony Okorowski

December 18, 2022

I saw the Yani video I believe back in the eighties and fell in love with Van. I thought she was so classy and beautiful. I told my relatives that were watching the video that she is my type of girl, I am so moved that she has passed on, but continue to play her song on spotify, I envision her in her pink gown Singing so beautiful .My heart is very very sad, She along with my relatives that were watching the video back in the eighties have now all passed including my parents and my twin sister. Van and I were just 2 years apart, It's ironic, I am also a part Greek Michigander (Yanni) and also moved to Laguna Nigel, Ca. She will as they all do live in our memory

AJ

December 7, 2022

What a singer and such a terrible loss. She did justice to Yaani's composition being the featured artist singing "Love is All". Gosh, what throw in her voice, what charisma simply brilliant performance. May your soul rest in peace. Amen!

Jessie M Thompson

November 21, 2022

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Hattie

November 14, 2022

I can still hear your amazing voice singing Love Is All

Ana Cancel vda. Velez

November 13, 2022

What a sweet and privileged voice! My deceased husband and I were amazed by Miss Vann Johnson's attributes as a singer. So sad today I learned that she's not here with us. She must be singing to the Heavenly Father. Rest in peace.

James Dalto

October 8, 2022

Saw her perform at the Yanni Taj Mahal concert in India in 1997. Such a beautiful, classy and talented woman. Rest in peace, Princess.

Juan José Hernández Villarroel

October 4, 2022

Otro año más sin su presencia terrenal. Seguro estoy que Dios te tiene allá en su Santa Gloria. Tu voz permanecerá aquí por siempre y en el infinito.
Juan José Hernández Villarroel. Puerto Ordaz. Venezuela. 27-09-2022.

Pamela Locke

September 29, 2022

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Vann, today I celebrate your warm and loving friendship. Still, even today I weep as I listen to your songs. The memories of you shall be in my heart forever! Happy birthday!

With lots of love,
Pamela Locke

Jorge Alexandre Vasconcelos

August 21, 2022

Beautiful voice, beautiful person. We will remember you as a shinning star... Thank you !!

Jalmar - Rio de Janeiro

August 8, 2022

Vann Johnson, que linda voz, que interpretação apaixonante.
Que ser lindo voce é!
Eu não a conheci, mas o show com o Yanni fez com que a admirasse ouvindo a cantar de uma maneira linda! DEUS te abençoe e te coloque em local especial no céu.
Você tocou minha vida com sua voz. Você será lembrada com muito carinho e ternura. Anjo descanse ao lado de nosso PAI.
Loves all será sempre ouvida e sua mensagem esta gravada em minha memória. Muito obrigado pelo que voce fez em meu coração.

Vladimir

July 12, 2022

Thank you for your magical voice and songs!
RIP, beautiful Vann!

Gledys Anael

July 5, 2022

Había escuchado esta maravillosa canción que me emociona hasta las lágrimas, pero hoy mis lágrimas fuero porque acabo de enterarme que ya no está con nosotrxs. 5 años de ausencia, no lo puedo creer. Aunque ya no estés aquí en esta tierra, tu voz y talento serán inmortales. Que impacto tan grande saber que no estás. Que los ángeles acompañen tu canto y que puedas renacer en este mundo nuevamente para cantar.

Julius Abu

June 16, 2022

You touched my life with your voice. You will be fondly remembered. Rest on angel..

Pamela Locke

June 2, 2022

I'm still devastated over the loss of my friend . I miss you terribly, but I'll see you again someday. This for sure, I know.

CAPTAIN JEREMY DENNISON

May 27, 2022

What a beautiful person she was , her voice was so relaxing and sweet , bless her

Dr. Arnie Katz

May 23, 2022

I am so sorry for the loss of this beautiful person. Her voice and singing style were magical. I watch over and over her singing 'Love is All" with Y
anni and it gives me goose bumps. What a loss to the world of such an elegant voice, and so young. Rest In Peace Dear Lady, Know you were loved and admired by so many.

Dennis Dorgan

May 17, 2022

Still breaks my heart!

Bob Winters MAC(AC) USN K-9 Retired.

April 24, 2022

From the very first moment when I heard "Love is All" with Yanni it touched my heart. There will never be another Vann. RIP, I love you.

John langlois

April 18, 2022

What a beautiful and talented woman. Saw her on Yanni as she sang "love is All". One of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. Rest In Peace, Vann.

Eduardo Aguiar - BRASIL

January 22, 2022

A voz mais linda que ouvi. Você Vann deve estar no céu, recebendo a todos com sua voz maravilhosa...pena que você se foi... fará muita falta para mim e para os que admiram sua vocalidade.

Helmut Babos

December 27, 2021

Your voice will live on forever in my heart. your passion and heart shines as a light for all young artists to follow.
May God Bless and keep you in his orchestra until we have the pleasure of seeing you there again singing amongst the angels.

Larry Olsen

December 21, 2021

Sad to see such a great talent leave us. "Love is All" with Yanni is one of my most cherished songs.

Dawn Thomforde

October 25, 2021

The first time I heard Vann, I was in a shopping mall when Love is All was playing. It stopped me dead in my tracks. I had to listen to that song and eventually downloaded it and I listen to it to this day! What an amazing talent gone too soon.

MRafael Medina

October 6, 2021

Hacen 4 dias que cumpliste 9 años de fallecida y yo me entero ahora. Paz a tu alma y grato rexuerdo a tu memoria y a tu melodiosa y poderosa voz y talento.

Juan José Hernández Villarroel

September 29, 2021

Four days ago you leave to heaven. From there you will sing for us beautiful Vann.

Cherylene Hayes

September 5, 2021

I first heard her angelic voice when singing Love is All. Her and Yanni; what an incredible pair on stage. May you fly among angels and sing sweetly in heaven.

RAFAEL Martín Toledo

August 27, 2021

Tremendamente impactado consternado por la noticia del fallecimiento de Vann Jhonson, que desconocía. Quedarán para siempre en mi memoria su preciosa sonrisa expresada en la canción "southern expídete" y su maravillosa voz en la ejecución de la canción "Love is All" del concierto Tribute, ante el Taj Majal. D.E.P. Querida y admirada Vann

Gerry Wan

August 3, 2021

I first heard her when she sang "Love is All" on Yanni video from YouTube was such an incredible voice. 'Moments of Prospective'

Ruth Nunez Dale

July 25, 2021

You will truly be missed. Your awesome voice will live on until the end. God has you now singing in His choir.

Hattie

July 25, 2021

She had such an amazing voice.
She is surely missed.

Jose Luis Mondragon

July 16, 2021

Una hermosa voz en la tierra parte al cielo!!! Extraordinaria artista en la tierra amada en el cielo!!
A beautiful voice on earth goes to heaven !!! Extraordinary artist on earth beloved in heaven !!

Elizabeth

July 3, 2021

Fiquei tão chocada quando sou do falecimento de Vann johnson hoje, que desatei a chorar ! Vann você imortalizou a canção "Love is All" de Yanni, ninguém jamais interpretará esta música como você ! Receba muito amor nos braços do Pai Eterno e Descanse em Paz !!!

Wendy

June 21, 2021

I will always remember her beautiful voice, which I have memorialized on my Yanni CD and DVD, Tribute. Sorry for your loss. God Bless.

Darlene Roberts

May 30, 2021

I loved her voice. She was so talented and remember her with Michael Bolton and also saw her live several times when she performed with Yanni. I was so saddened to hear of her passing. May her voice uplift everyone in heaven.

Connie Jenkins

May 25, 2021

I felt her Love...And I since felt the Holy Spirit...in my soul...God is a gentleman...in the future...this song will be used at my homegoing...Remember...
L.......O.......V.......E.......IS...ALL...

Antonio Jose Murillo

May 15, 2021

Magnificent Voice! Electrifying Voice, connected to Source to bring Love to mankind!
Thank you for all of that!!♥♥♥♥♥♥

William DeAngelis

May 10, 2021

VANN TRULY TOUCHED ME WITH HER PERFORMANCE WITH YANI. (Love is all). I am saddened that her life was cut so short . She was truly blessed with an amazing and powerful voice. May she also be blessed in passing.9

Showing 1 - 100 of 276 results

Make a Donation
in Vann Johnson's name

Memorial Events
for Vann Johnson

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Vann's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Vann Johnson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more