Al Johnson began his generations-spanning music career as the lead singer of the Unifics, a Howard University-based vocal quartet that scored four Billboard hits in 1968 and 1969 and were a top draw throughout the DC region.
In the 1970's, Johnson began a successful career as a songwriter and producer, collaborating with a long roster of soul stars like Norman Connors, Jean Carn, Lloyd Price, Deniece Williams, and Sharon Redd, along with local up-and-comers like Terry Huff and Symba. He also recorded three outstanding LPs as a solo artist.
Al Johnson was a gifted arranger, and respected proponent of the disco and "quiet storm" movements in mainstream urban music. Like fellow locals Marvin Gaye and Roberta Flack, he helped erase the notion that good soul music couldn't be restrained and sophisticated.
In the 1970's, Johnson began a successful career as a songwriter and producer, collaborating with a long roster of soul stars like Norman Connors, Jean Carn, Lloyd Price, Deniece Williams, and Sharon Redd, along with local up-and-comers like Terry Huff and Symba. He also recorded three outstanding LPs as a solo artist.
Al Johnson was a gifted arranger, and respected proponent of the disco and "quiet storm" movements in mainstream urban music. Like fellow locals Marvin Gaye and Roberta Flack, he helped erase the notion that good soul music couldn't be restrained and sophisticated.
