Sonny Johnson

Ronnie Lee "Sonny" Johnson (b. Rome, Georgia, November 9, 1930 - d. July 14, 2001) -- Drummer. Sonny Johnson moved to Indianapolis at early age and attended Crispus Attucks High School, where he was mentored by Russell Brown. At age sixteen, he started playing in the Sea Ferguson's Cotton Club on Indiana Avenue the three Montgomery brothers and saxophonist Pookie Johnson (no relation to Sonny). Later, this group would go by the Montgomery-Johnson Quintet, which backed Flo Garvin on WFBM in 1951, becoming the first African American group to appear on local TV. Over the years, Johnson played at many hot spots on Indiana Avenue and was a regular member of the Hampton Family Band. Beyond Indy, he joined Art Farmer's septet in New York City and played on a self-titled album on Prestige in 1953. This record also included Quincy Jones on piano and Sonny's old buddy Monk Montgomery on electric bass. Johnson also worked with pianist Herbie Hancock and organist Jimmy Smith.