musician spotlight

This week we feature educator, trumpeter and bandleader H. Wade Johnson!

A native of McClellanville, SC, H. Wade Johnson has degrees from South Carolina State University as well as Vander Cook College of Music in Chicago. He can often be seen and heard leading "H. Wade Johnson and Pride Ensemble" at a variety of different venues in and around SC. With his signature 2 trumpet stylings, H. Wade is an amazing musician and a great person, on and off the bandstand. He is also the current Director of Bands at Claflin University in Orangeburg.

We asked H. Wade our usual hard hitting questions:

-When did you first start playing?

-1973

-What was some of the first music that you loved?

-Gospel and Jazz

- If you could pick a different instrument what would it be?

-Tenor saxophone

-What are you listening to these days?

-Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Smooth Jazz

-What is one of the coolest places you've played?

-Blues Boulevard in Greenville and Chayz Lounge in West Columbia

-Who is a musician you think others should know about?

-Saxophonist Keyon Williams

-What's keeping you busy these days?

-Visiting Instructor and Director of Bands at Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC! I am available for Gigs, Clinics and Arranging!