Richard D. Johnson

Richard D. Johnson is an accomplished American jazz pianist, composer, and educator rooted deeply in the jazz tradition. Born in Pittsburgh and introduced to piano at age five by his gospel pianist father, Johnson studied at top institutions including Berklee College of Music (graduating in two years), Boston Conservatory (Master’s in Jazz Pedagogy), and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance under Ron Carter. He has played with renowned groups like Wynton Marsalis' Septet and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and collaborated with jazz legends such as Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock. Johnson also dedicates himself to education as a jazz professor at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore and through his Reach Afar program for young musicians.

Known for his warm, soulful style, Johnson’s recent album *Warm Embrace* reflects a vibrant vocal jazz project developed during a residency in Shanghai with notable collaborators including vocalist Alyssa Allgood and saxophonist Gregory Tardy. His music marries spontaneity, creativity, and heartfelt connection, capturing the spirit of live jazz performance. Johnson continues to actively perform, record, and promote jazz globally, balancing his roles as a performer, composer, and educator with passion and expertise.