Roy Andrew Johnson, Jr.
Roy Johnson dedicated his musical gifts to the glory of God. Unassuming, gentle, kind, he endeavored to live his life acceptable and pleasing unto God. He brought his exceptional artistry, his Christian commitment and a rare comprehension of the practice of sacred music to his music ministry.
Growing up in the church, his entire life was intertwined with the practice of sacred music--as pianist, organist, director, accompanist and singer. For him, returning to God the gift of his music in the service of the church was "his reasonable service." (Romans 12:1)
Roy served Northminster Presbyterian Church as organist for 14 years, joining his wife, Dusty, in June 1981. Working together as a team was a joy to each of them, and they did so until Roy's tragic death in February 1995.
During the course of his 40-year career as a church musician, Roy played for countless services of worship, weddings, funerals, concerts and other special services. He rehearsed soloists as well as instrumentalists, often recruiting UA graduate students and/or members of the University music faculty or the Tucson Symphony Orchestra for performance in Northminster's special programs.
He also enjoyed conducting choral works. Although committed to the highest musical standards, he allowed for human frailties, never demeaning another's best efforts. He was an "encourager," who conveyed the warmth of his humanity with his smile and genuine interest in others. His wit was engaging. His repertory of Swedish jokes, told in an unforgettable Swedish lilt, were particular choir favorites.
Roy believed fervently in the practice of sacred music as an expression of his faith. The following excerpt is quoted from his vision for Northminster, which included the building of a new organ.
". . . worship is most effective when the two ministries of word and music are both strong, vital, and mutually supportive. Church music is indeed a ministry. Its purpose is not to entertain, but rather to reinforce the spoken word, to provide an appropriate atmosphere for worship, to teach and to inspire. Music will go beyond the spoken word in reaching the very depths of the soul . . ."
Roy's music ministry began when he was appointed Sunday evening pianist at his church while he was still in high school near Chicago. There he developed gospel and improvisatory skills.
He served several churches as organist and organist/director in Illinois, Michigan and Tucson, prior to his appointment at Northminster.
It was at the Englewood Presbyterian Church, Chicago, where he met Dusty and where she sang in the choir. There he played an old 1887 two-manual Johnson tracker organ, which he fondly referred to as an "old tub."
Roy was born in Chicago and reared mostly in Bensenville, Illinois, where he attended a two-room school through grade four, was baptized at the First Baptist Church of Elmhurst, and graduated from Bensenville Community High School fourth in his class.
From an early age, Roy showed an aptitude for music, and played both the trumpet and French horn although he did not begin piano lessons until the rather late age of 12. He was fortunate in having a gifted piano teacher--Carlo Della Nina, an immigrant from Italy--who encouraged him to attend the Collegio di Musica, in Rome, Italy, for intensive piano study, solfeggio and Italian.
Forced to return to the States by a recalcitrant draft board in August 1955, Roy changed his emphasis from piano to organ and enrolled as an organ major at Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, from which he earned a diploma in sacred music. While at Moody, he studied with Preston Rockholt and Robert Rayfield.
Roy continued his studies at the University of Michigan, majoring in organ performance, completing the Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and A. Mus. D. degrees, studying with Robert Noehren, Robert Glasgow and Marilyn Mason, respectively. He was also an Associate in the American Guild of Organists (A.A.G.O.).
Roy and Dusty were married in 1960 in Chicago and were blessed with two children. Eric David Johnson is an organ technician and builder with the Quimby Organ Company and Jennifer Anne Johnson Martinez is a legislative counsel with the Arizona State Legislature.
Roy began his career at the University of Arizona School of Music in 1966. Over the course of 29 years, he was promoted to full professor with tenure, taught organ, service playing, music theory, counterpoint, hymnody and other courses. As Director of Graduate Studies in Music, a position he held for eight years, he advised and counseled all graduate students in music, shepherding them toward their degrees--always with encouragement, a smile and concern for their welfare. Assisting graduate students through the challenges of earning advanced degrees was a personal mission. Many students now holding graduate degrees have frequently expressed deep graditude for Roy and his lasting impact on their careers.
Roy served on numerous School of Music and University committees, often as chair. His research interests focused mainly on early Italian organ literature and he spent two sabbaticals in Italy. But his passion and joy was the practice of his art: organ performance. He performed in many cities in the U.S. as well as Europe, one of the most meaningful for him being in Zagreb, Yugoslavia, when he was the only western organist invited to perform in an organ recital series held in the city's cathedral in the then-communist country.
Only four months before his death, Roy realized the goal of his long tenure at the UA: a teaching and performance instrument in a hall designed for organ performance. The beautiful Harris organ in Holsclaw Hall (built by Schoenstein of San Francisco) will long stand as a testament to his perseverance in seeking the best for students, the School of Music and the University.
Just as the University organ will long stand as a symbol of Roy Johnson, so too will the Johnson Memorial organ (built by the Quimby Organ Company) at Northminster Presbyterian Church. Roy's fervent desire was an instrument worthy not only of Northminster, but most importantly, worthy of the worship of almighty God. His spirit surely rejoiced at this organ's dedication on January 17, 1999.
Roy was a remarkable man, an artist, a deeply caring person, a man of great faith, truly a humble servant of God. His life was a testament to all that is good and beautiful: gentleness, compassion, wit and artistry, and always, faith. He was unaware of the measure of his worth and that he would leave an indelible mark and an enormous void in the world he inhabited.
Roy's life verse:
"But My God shall supply all your need
according to His riches in glory by Christ
Jesus."
Philippians 4:19
