Johnson wears several hats in life
Campus Times
October 1, 1999
Jonathan Johnson, a junior transfer from Pasadena City College, plays
cornerback for the University of La Verne football team. He majors in music
and says he always had an interest in it. "Music is basically where
I live and that's where I plan to have my career. I was bred to be a musician."
Johnson plays the piano and is part of a gospel choir at his church in Pasadena.
His hobbies include singing and writing songs.
A son, a student, an athlete, a musician, a friend and a father distinguishes
junior music major Jonathan Johnson at the University of La Verne.
"At the age of three, I started playing my toy instruments and
singing for my family," he said.
Johnson has been active in choir, whether it's for school or his church,
as well as in sports since childhood.
Johnson's parents raised him and his brother with a strong spiritual
foundation.
"Music runs in my family. My parents sing, my uncles, aunts, everybody,"
said Johnson.
Some of his family members from the East Coast have released a gospel
album.
During this past summer, Johnson toured through Germany with Betty Griffin
Keller, a well-known gospel singer.
"Betty is like my play mother," said Johnson. "She's
also the minister of music at my church."
Johnson was in Germany for two weeks and also toured through Japan for
one week with Tyrese, the R&B sensation.
He felt very comfortable in both countries. He said that they received
a warm welcome.
"It was pretty shocking because people there don't understand or
speak English very well," said Johnson. "But they understand music
like it's a second language."
"They accepted us like we were saviors," Johnson said. "They
knew we were singing gospel music. It was like a language spoken by the
spirit."
Johnson has received over 200 awards and honors for his talents and
his academics.
"The Academic All-American award is probably one of the awards
I value most because athletes are always being looked down at, for their
academics," Johnson said.
Johnson transferred to ULV from Pasadena City College (PCC) this fall.
"Originally I was supposed to go to Eastern Kentucky University
on a full-ride scholarship, but I came here to be closer to my family and
community," said Johnson.
Johnson was voted as the top defensive newcomer for the Ohio Valley
Conference by the Sporting News Magazine.
Randy Horton, secondary football coach at PCC, and Johnson's ex-coach
said, "He was a great field player and a great technician. We miss
his leadership."
Horton said Johnson knows what he wants out of life.
"He knows his opponents very well. He knows his limitations, is
aggressive, and he has goals in life," said Horton.
Johnson is a starting cornerback for the ULV football team and is highly
respected by his teammates and coach.
Don Morel, head football coach at ULV said, "J.J. is the best player
on the team, while he possesses absolutely no ego. He is a pleasure."
Sophomore criminology major Sky Kitaoka said, "He is encouraging,
not big headed, and he is a friend who gives good advice."
"J.J. is a very talented guy, a great friend and is very modest,"
said Junior Raul Mena. "He is also a hell of a player."
Off the field, Johnson's music is inspired by things that have happened
to him, or things that he dreams can happen to him and others.
"At school all the time people can catch me anywhere relaxing and
looking at the people and writing," he said.
Dr. Reed Gratz, professor of music said, "He certainly has talents
as a performer and potential to develop. All of us at every level have a
lot to learn."
Dr. Gratz said Johnson has a lot of music experience that most people
his age do not have.
Johnson started working on his album late in August of last year, took
a break for football season and picked up again in January.
"It's been a long journey, but it's finally coming together,"
said Johnson.
He is now finishing up his album, which he expects to complete by the
end of December.
Johnson is not sure with which record label he will be signing. It is
either Warner Brothers or Arista Records.
Johnson, a single 20-year-old, is also father to a 1-year old boy. He
is doing many things to prepare for both their futures.
"My biggest concern is to make sure I am the best role model for
my son," he said.
"I came to La Verne because it is a small community, and I am closer
to my son," said Johnson.
In addition, he said he liked the staff with which he would be working.
Currently, Johnson is a tap dance instructor for children ages 7-10
at Sue B Dance Company in Pasadena, Calif.
He also has a job with Persona Records, which is based in Las Vegas,
Nev.
Johnson would like to teach music at the high school level for a couple
of years and then eventually get a law degree.
"I would like to be an entertainment attorney," he said.
In December, he will be going to Washington, D.C., to record two songs
he wrote for a new choir in the D.C. area called Minister's of Music.
From Washington, he will depart straight to Africa to perform with Griffin
Keller.
As Johnson ventures off into many different routes in his life, he sets
no limits because he believes that there are no limits to what God can do.
Johnson said, "I try spending the most time with my spiritual life."
He said people need to have confidence and faith in whatever they do
in order to achieve their goals or dreams.
"I believe I can do all things through Christ which strengthens
me," said Johnson.
