Cast of Players 

Clifford Johnson

Clifford Johnson was a musician on Howard Street and performed in several of its nightclubs, including the Cosmopolitan Club. Johnson primarily played the Saxophone and was a member of the Pete Diggs Band. It was only natural for Johnson to take to music as he possessed perfect pitch, arranged notes off the top of his head, and found the ability for his talent to flourish in the Pete Diggs Band.

Johnson was born in Akron on May 25, 1927, and attended Spicer Miller and Howe Schools. Johnson officially graduated from Howe Schools in June of 1941. Johnson was a top runner on the high school’s track team. 

When he wasn’t performing for the club-goers of Howard Street, Johnson was painting, notably in watercolors. He had several pieces showcased at the Akron Armory and the M. O’Neill Company.

At 18 years old, Johnson was murdered by his ex-girlfriend Gertrude Peterson after she stabbed him. Peterson stabbed Johnson while he was out with a female friend at the Colonial Theatre. Peterson stabbed Johnson after finding him with another while Peterson and Johnson were in a relationship. It was speculated that Johnson gave Peterson a venereal disease, which motivated her to stab the youth. Johnson was rushed to the hospital but died on or around July 8, 1945.

Johnson’s wake was held at Wesley Temple AME Church. He is buried at Mt. Peace Cemetery in Akron. 

Albert “Pork Chops” Damon

Albert M. Damon, otherwise known as “Pork Chops,” was a music teacher on Akron’s historic Howard Street who mainly taught banjo and solo vocalism. Damon was born in Canada, or so he told people. 

Damon was one of Akron’s greatest Black music teachers. Damon brought musical lessons to Howard Street, and lived at the site where the Cosmopolitan was later established. 

Before teaching music on Howard Street, he played as a soloist in his brother’s Bernie Cummin’s Band. The band frequently played at Hotel Biltmore and the Hotel New Yorker. Damon brought his band from Columbus to Akron, performing dance music at East Market Gardens. His last performance was speculated to have been on or around June 14 or June 20, 1930.

Damon’s nickname was symbolic of his days living as a minstrel and traveling America. Damon passed away on or around June 24, 1990. When he died, his favorite and prized banjo was lying near his body. Damon is buried in Mt. Peace Cemetery in Akron. It is speculated that his funeral was held around July 1st, 1930.