The Conrad Johnson Orchestra – “The Big Blue Sound”
The Conrad Johnson Orchestra is the professional big band that the late Conrad “Prof” Johnson led for over 40 years – the direct continuation of his lifelong work after the legendary Kashmere Stage Band (his high-school group featured in the Jamie Foxx documentary THUNDER SOUL). More than 20 seasoned Houston pros, playing together for 30+ years, deliver Prof’s original Texas-blues-meets-sophisticated-jazz charts and the authentic “Big Blue Sound” he created. Now directed by veteran trumpeter James Williams, Jr., the orchestra remains Houston’s flagship big-band voice.
Credits/Notable Performances
- Current monthly residency at Emmit’s Place, Houston – every First Sunday for the past several years
- Featured in the 2011 documentary THUNDER SOUL (executive-produced/presented by Jamie Foxx) as the professional continuation of Conrad “Prof” Johnson’s legacy
- Shared stages with Wynton Marsalis, Joe Sample, Kirk Whalum, Everette Harp, Steve Turre, Sean Jones, Shelley Carroll, Ronnie Laws, Hubert Laws, and the late Lou Rawls and Roy Hamilton
- Performed Duke Ellington Sacred Concert Series in churches throughout the Houston area (with and without vocals)
- Directed by James Williams, Jr. – former member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Lionel Hampton Big Band, and 14-year veteran of the Houston Pops Orchestra; performed with Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., and more
- 20+ piece professional Houston big band with the same core players for over 30 years – keepers of Prof Johnson’s “Big Blue Sound”
Photos
Bring Us To Your Stage
Conrad Johnson, Jr. – Business Manager
☎ 281-725-4863
Live Music Venues | Corporate | Festivals | Concerts | Sacred Events | Private Functions
Quick response guaranteed
