WABE’s jazzman H. Johnson discusses the legacy of Ma Rainey

October 6th, 2023

H. Johnson is receiving the Presidential Volunteers Service Award from the National Black Radio Hall of Fame. (WABE)

Veteran radio host and jazz and blues aficionado H. Johnson will be honored with a Presidential Volunteers Service Award at the National Black Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony this weekend.

Johnson, who is being honored for his work of keeping jazz alive, has been a host on WABE 90.1 FM for more than 40 years. The jazzman is the host of “Blues Classics With H. Johnson” and “Jazz Classics With H. Johnson.”

“Closer Look” honored H. Johnson in a three-part series.

We revisit Rose Scott’s 2017 conversation with Johnson, where the two discuss the life and legacy of Ma Rainey, her bisexuality and how the “Mother of the Blues” paved the way for other artists.

“She dominated the blues scene to the extent that she did — and she left an impact that’s still been felt now,” said Johnson. “It’s like the waves in the ocean. You know, you throw a rock in the ocean against the water, and the waves come back. Her’s is still tripling back on us. You hear it every now and then in the great blues singers of today.”