Richard Brown Johnson (December 1, 1925 – January 10, 2010) was an American big band clarinetist, best known for his work with the Artie Shaw Band. From 1983 until his death he was the leader of the Artie Shaw Orchestra.
Born in Brockton, Massachusetts, he also played the alto saxophone and flute. Johnson worked with Frank Sinatra, the Swing Shift Orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie and Tony Bennett.
Johnson died in Boston, Massachusetts after a short illness, aged 84.
Discography
1956: Music for Swinging Moderns (EmArcy) 1957: Most Likely (Riverside) with Dave McKenna, Wilbur Ware, Philly Joe Jones 1957: At Newport (Verve) with Eddie Costa 1979: Dick Johnson Plays Alto Sax & Flute & Soprano Sax & Clarinet (Concord) with Dave McKenna, Bob Maize, Jake Hanna 1980: Live at Bovi's (Argonne) with Duke Belaire Jazz Orchestra 1980: Spider's Blues (Concord) with Dave McKenna 1981: Swing Shift (Concord) 1982: Everybody Eats When They Come to My House (Soap) with Razmataz 2004: Artie's Choice! and the Naturals 2006: Star Dust & Beyond: A Tribute to Artie Shaw