Alonzo Ernest Johnson

Alonzo "Pookie" Johnson 1927 to 2005 Alonzo Ernest Johnson, affectionately known as "Pookie", died Saturday, September 3, 2005 in his native Indianapolis, Indiana. He was 77. A product of the public schools, he attended Schools #37 and #26 and Crispus Attucks High School. He completed his studies at the Butler University Jordan School of Music. In 1945, Pookie enlisted in the United States Armed Forces. Serving in the Air Force, he played in the Special Service Band and after returning home, he toured with several bands throughout the United States. He later embarking upon a career with the U. S. Postal Service, retiring after thirty years of faithful service. In 1969, Pookie accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and was baptized at the Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church. Pookie served two years as a Cub Scout Leader and four years as a Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America. Active in the IPS P.T.A., he was former president of the Rosecrest Neighborhood Association and president of the Indy Jazz Connection. Pookie's list of awards and achievements are many: In July 1985, Pookie was honored as a Living Legend of Jazz and enshrined in the Hall of Records of Congress by Senator Richard Lugar. In May of 1991, Pookie received the Key to the City from Mayor William Hudnut. 1996 was a banner year for Pookie, as the Links paid homage to him during their African American Jazz Artist Tribute and the City of Indianapolis proclaimed August 24, 1996 as Pookie Johnson Day and Governor Evan Bayh awarded him "The Sagamore of the Wabash" award. Pookie was also a member of the American Legion Post #249. With the musical career spanning over sixty years, Pookie has played most wind instruments, but is best known for his extraordinary ability as a Jazz Saxophonist. He appeared at many clubs on the renowned Indiana Avenue in its hey day and around Indianapolis, including Henri's Bar, the Hub Bub, Ritz's Lounge, the Jazz Kitchen and the Chatter Box. He also performed with the Hampton Sisters and at the Children's Museum of Arts Centennial Celebration; Cathedral Art's Midsummer Festival; the Indiana State Park's Jazz series; Black Legends Awards; the King, Walker, Wilkins Young Awards Banquet and the Penrod Art Festival. He appeared with such notables as: J. J. Johnson, Wes Montgomery, Jack McDuff, Benny Barth and Russell Webster. Additionally, he had performed with Freddie Hubbard, Bob Womack, Montgomery-Johnson Quintet, Billy Wooten, the Jimmy Coe Band, the Dells, the Inkspots, Eddie Bird, Granville Owens, Sax Kare, Slide Hampton, Dr. Willis Kirk, Willis Dyer, Larry McGill, King Kolax and James Moody, Sr. His recordings include: "The Montgomery Brothers and Five Others," "Together Again" with Russell Webster, "Say What?" with Jimmy Coe and "Legacy" featuring his sons Eric, Kevin and Byron. He also served as bandleader for The Wee Dots, The Pookie Johnson Quartet and The Indy Jazz Company. Pookie Johnson was truly a living Jazz Legend. Pookie appeared on the cover of the Indianapolis Convention and Visitor's Guide, and had been featured many times in the Indianapolis Star & News. When reading books on Wes Montgomery, or articles in the National Geographic about life on the Avenue, you'll run across many quotes from Pookie. Pookie participated in many activities making him a media favorite. He appeared in television commercials for events ranging from the Indy Jazz Fest, IPL, Citizen's Gas and others. Pookie also found time to do what he loved - teaching children about the joy of music. Pookie started a Saturday morning music program that partnered with the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation and the Indianapolis Public Schools. Alonzo Ernest "Pookie" Johnson was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday September 3, 2005. He leaves his wife of 60 years, Bettie L Blakemore Johnson; his children, Stephanie Johnson-Stol lard, Kevin Bruce Johnson, Byron Lynn (Karen) Johnson and Roger Brittain; a brother, Robert Dupee and four grandchildren, Tanya Stol lard, Kyle Johnson, Devon Johnson and Kenny Brittain. Services will be Thursday, September 8, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at Stuart Mortuary Chapel with interment at New Crown Cemetery. Also on Thursday, there will be a Jam Session for all musicians at the Jazz Kitchen, 5377 North College Avenue, Indianapolis. The family gratefully acknowledges all acts of kindness and asks that memorial contributions be made to The Indianapolis Chapter of the American Lung Association, 9455 Delegates Road, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Final Arrangements are entrusted to Stuart Mortuary, Inc. www.stuartmortuary.com.