Jacques Johnson

Jacques "Saxman" Johnson, is a retired saxophonist, musician and educator based in Washington, D.C. (USA). Father of guitarist Jacques Johnson Jr. and of bassist Michelle Lynn Johnson aka Meshell Ndegeocello.

Johnson has served for 27.5 years in various roles in U.S. Army Bands, including producing and directing The Army Blues, the official jazz band of the Army. After his military service, Johnson worked as an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of the District of Columbia and initiated a music program for senior citizens with the D.C. Department of Recreation. He also served as the Assistant Band Director at Eastern Senior High School and led the Blues Alley Youth Orchestra. Johnson has released three CDs: Saxman, Blues Plus, and Dance, and has performed with notable artists including Bob Hope, The Coasters, Stanley Turrentine, and The Drifters. He studied under Frank Foster, former director of The Count Basie Band, and has performed in various venues, festivals, and recordings in the United States and Europe.