Jay Johnson, popular media personality who got start in Chicago, dead at 78

INDIANAPOLIS — A popular radio personality, Jay Johnson, died at the age of 78 after a long battle with an undisclosed illness.

According to a press release from Hearst Television, Johnson first began working in 1968 at Chicago’s WGRT before moving to WVON, which is also based in Chicago. He became known for his role in “The Good Guys.” Popular in the 1970s, Johnson helped WVON become a platform for Black culture in the community.

Johnson later became the program director at WTLC in Indianapolis. The station became a top-rated leader for nearly two decades during this time. He hosted the “Jay Johnson Show” in the afternoons.

Under Johnson’s leadership, WTLC was named Black Radio Exclusive’s Station of the Year in 1980 and 1984, and Billboard’s Soul Station of the Year in 1981.

Johnson also worked in television as an entertainment reporter and weatherman while also hosting the public affairs program Black Focus on WISH-TV.

Johnson received numerous awards, including winning Billboard’s Announcer and Program Director of the Year. He also served as president and CEO of JJE Voice Works, a voiceover studio based in Plano, TX, most recently.

Johnson’s career spanned over 50 years in radio and television.