Janice "Ms. JJ" Johnson

Louisiana’s Best Kept Secret, Ms. “JJ” Johnson, borne Janice Harriet Johnson, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and a member of Wesley United Methodist Church. She is an aunt and mother to Derrick, 25 and D’Andre, 15. In addition to being a single parent, “Ms. JJ” is also a singer/entertainer. She credits her vocal talents to God the Father. Growing up in Wesley she sang in both the children and youth choir where she was happy being in the background. In 1974, she entered the Air Force and was voted unanimously by her follow airman as “song leader”. As song leader she called out and lead musical cadence during marching formations, keeping her fellow airmen in step. In 1975 she became a member of Kinchloe Air Force Base’s “Inspirations Gospel Choir” (IGC). IGC comprised both military and dependent member who got together and fellowshipped in song; later in 1976 IGC was by the Strategic Air Command as the base 1976 Bicentennial Choir. When the lead vocalist retired, Ms. “JJ” was selected as lead vocalist. Her peers later insisted she tryout for the Air Force Tops In Blue Showcase. Still not comfortable as a lead vocalist she took on the challenge and won 1st place in her performance of Phyllis Hyman’s “Somewhere In My Lifetime” in the female vocalist category at base level . She represented her base at command level and in 1979 she was select to tour with Tops In Blue. As a member of Tops In Blue, she evolved from a novice to a professional entertainer traveling seventy-five percent of the United States within 4 month entertaining thousand of military members and their families. She did not stop there; upon an honorable discharge from the Air Force, Ms. “JJ” became a member of the Baton Rouge Community Choir and Playhouse and is one of the original cast members of Dr. Valerian Smith’s musical “Supper”. She later was featured on Big Bo Melvin and Nighthawks album. She was selected to sing the National Anthem two years consecutively for Military Appreciation Night in Kansas City for the Kansas City Royals; as well as for special military ceremonies within her Reserve and Air National Guard Unit. While living in New Orleans, “Ms. JJ” freelanced with various New Orleans bands such as Ernie Vincent Jazz & Blues Band, Robert Robinson and Touch Fire who opened for the Neville Brothers at the 1991 Jazz Festival, blues singer, Marva Wright at the Po-Boy Blues Festival and numerous balls.

From Bourbon Street to Jazz Fest, she has brought joy to all with her vocal style and physical energy. Since returning to Baton Rouge, she has been busy with the Wesley United Methodist Church Music Ministry in the Inspirations, Sanctuary Choir, Praise and Worship Team as well as the Wings of Praise, the Lero Pero Ensemble as well as the Lil Ray Neal Blues and the New Millennium Band, just to name a few. She is currently working on a new single, which will be release later this year. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine would be singing at this capacity. She says her talent is a gift from God and if not shared with others it can and will be taken away. Whether singing popular or Christian music before she sings her first note, she ask God to use her as he will. She looks forward to sharing her talent with all those who love music. “God is Music; when I sing and see smiling faces I know God is pleased, because I have brought joy to his people.” Ms. Janice“JJ” Johnson Show less