College Quiz” show, broadcast from the campus of Chicago’s Harold Washington College for six years. When the opportunity surfaced, Johnson had the show moved to Nashville and produced it on the TSU campus. “It just made sense to bring it to a HBCU campus. I felt it would be great for my alma mater and what better place for a show to be done.” The success with Encore has enabled Johnson to work with major national media companies, such as ABC, BET, CBS, ESPN, NBC, TV One and others. Through his production company, he connected to the Stellar Awards, the first gospel music awards show in the country honoring gospel music artists, writers and industry professionals for their contributions to the industry. Johnson has been involved with the awards program since 1995, and director since 1999. He landed another major coup when he joined as director of The Trumpet Awards. For five years, he worked with the program, which acknowledges those who
ALUMNIlife | 2011
have contributed to enhancing the quality of life of others. The show is the brainchild of TSU alumna, Xernona Clayton (’52). In 2011, Johnson became the first African-American to both produce and direct the Dove Awards program in its 42-year history. His was the first black production company to be solely involved in producing the show. His work led to the show receiving its best ratings in history and its best return for audience satisfaction and quality of show. He has also extended his talents to MTV programming directing “Unplugged.” Additionally, during the entire Super Bowl Weekend, he handled programming for ESPN, and he is also currently the director, producer and consultant for BET’s highly-popular late night talk show, “The Monique Show,” in which he wrapped up 150 shows in its second season and is preparing for a third.
learned that no does not necessarily mean a negative direction, it can be a character builder – if you do your research and really study where you’re going and what you’re doing. The key is you have to keep going.” And keep going he has. Johnson’s “positive thinking” strategy has been his approach to managing the disappointments encountered in his career. “To this day, I try to stay humble and treat people how I want to be treated,” he said. “I work harder as I get older and respect people and the profession. I am always open to anyone who is interested in this industry.”
Johnson said his career path has not always been smooth. In fact, he admits he has had his share of “no’s” along the way.
He continued, “I just want people to know that whatever someone wants to do, they just need to never give up and work hard at it. Simply do what you love and the rest will come. You have to work on finding out the process of what you need to do to be the best at it. That’s the key to happiness, quality of life and success.”
“It’s been very difficult, but I just stuck to the process of growing,” he said. “I
K. Dawn Rutledge contributed to this article. 13