Clarence Johnson III

Biography

Clarence Johnson III is a celebrated saxophonist, composer, and educator from New Orleans, Louisiana, known for his commanding and expressive saxophone sound. Raised in the vibrant musical culture of New Orleans, Johnson demonstrated prodigious talent early on, serving as a drum major and standout saxophonist during his high school years at Brother Martin in the early 1990s. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Loyola University New Orleans and a Master of Music from the University of New Orleans, laying a strong academic foundation for his career.

Throughout his professional journey, Johnson has become a fixture in both the local and international jazz scenes. His style blends straight-ahead jazz with elements of jazz fusion, contemporary instrumental music, and rhythm and blues, drawing comparisons to the likes of Stanley Clarke, George Duke, the Brecker Brothers, and the Yellowjackets. Johnson has released several recordings as a leader, including the acclaimed "Watch Him Work," and has performed at major festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the inaugural Yerevan International Jazz Festival in Armenia. His bands have been described as exhibiting "Coltranesque Impressionism" and "Sun Ra Futurism," reflecting his innovative approach to jazz.

In addition to his solo work, Johnson is a sought-after collaborator, having recorded and performed with a diverse array of artists including Tori Amos, Bruce Hornsby, Davell Crawford, Dr. John, members of the Neville Brothers, Allen Toussaint, and Wynton Marsalis. He has also contributed to film and television, appearing in the award-winning movie "Ray" and various commercials. As an educator, Johnson has taught at Loyola University, Delgado Community College, Morehouse College, and Spelman College, and has served as a clinician for the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences’ “Grammy in the Schools.” His contributions to music and culture have been recognized with multiple awards, including Offbeat Magazine’s “Best Saxophonist” and a Lifetime Achievement Cultural Ambassador Heartbeat Award.

Fun Facts

• Clarence Johnson III appeared as a member of Ray Charles’ band in the Oscar-winning film 'Ray' starring Jamie Foxx.
• He is a two-time winner of Offbeat Magazine’s 'Best of the Beat' Best Saxophonist Award and received a Lifetime Achievement Cultural Ambassador Heartbeat Award in 2017.
• Johnson has performed at the inaugural 1998 Yerevan International Jazz Festival in Armenia, highlighting his international reach.
• He has appeared in commercials for the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Brecker Brothers, Yellowjackets - Stylistic influences; Johnson's jazz fusion style is reminiscent of these artists (General influence on his compositional and performance approach) [Career-long]

Key Collaborators

• Tori Amos - Session musician (Boys for Pele (1996)) [1996]
• Bruce Hornsby - Session musician for tribute project (Long as You’re Living Yours (2000)) [2000]
• Davell Crawford - Recording collaborator (The B-3 and Me (1998)) [1998]
• Dr. John, Neville Brothers, Allen Toussaint, Jimmy Smith, David “Fathead” Newman, John Scofield, members of the Meters - Live and studio collaborations (Various performances and recordings) [1990s–present]
• Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Kirk Franklin, Gladys Knight, the O’Jays, Billy Preston, Wynton Marsalis - Orchestral performances backing these artists (Live concerts) [Various]
• Steve Masakowski, Mike Esneault, Dwight Fitch Jr., Donald Ramsey, Ricky Sebastian - Band members for 'Watch Him Work' album and performances (Watch Him Work (2019)) [2019]

Artists Influenced

• Students at Loyola University, Delgado Community College, Morehouse College, Spelman College - Jazz education and mentorship (Various ensembles and courses) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Dukeish (Interlude) (Safe Space, Vol. 1)
2. They Still Coming (Interlude) (Safe Space, Vol. 1)
3. Ooh Wee Sugar (The B-3 And Me)
4. Struttin' (The B-3 And Me)
5. The Cat (The B-3 And Me)
6. Stormy Weather (The B-3 And Me)
7. House That Jack Built (The B-3 And Me)
8. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone (The B-3 And Me)
9. Uptown (The B-3 And Me)
10. I Can't Stop Loving You (The B-3 And Me)

External Links

• Spotify