Ellis Johnson of the Harmonizing Four

25 years ago on October 10th, 1993, Ellis Johnson passed away at age 59 in Richmond, Virginia.
Thomas "Ellis" Johnson III son of group leader, Thomas Johnson Jr. was the bass singer for the Harmonizing Four from 1958 till his death in 1993.
When Jimmy Jones left in 1958 the Harmonizing Four, they brought in the lead singers son which was Ellis Johnson to fill the bass spot.
In 1975 he lost his leg in a car accident and the doctors said he would never ever be able to sing again before of his damaged diaphragm.
He sang for another 18 years.

[@valeriebatts1054]

I grew up with my mother waking us up for school while she was listening to the Harmonizing Four. My parents had most, if not all of their LPs. I remembered them mentioning Ellis, Lonnie, and Tommy's names many times, as though they were close, personal friends, which they may have been. It's a shame the group is hardly ever mentioned now being how popular they were not too long ago. When Lonnie Smith's name was mentioned, it was only to say something on the lines of "he later became the father of jazz great Lonnie Liston Smith." I would love to see a resurgence of their music and/or a program on our local stations, especially WHRO, giving tribute to one of Virginia's finest gospel groups.

[@bigtuna5334]

One of the Greatest Bass Singers that Ever Performed..!!!

[@keys31157]

God is always awesome, despite doctor prognosis. Sang on my brother. I grew up with their records🙏🏽❤️

[@dondouglas9035]

Lord, what a nice man! Great great singer and so much fun to watch! I like to hear him laugh. My favorite song to hear/watch him sing is "Crossing Over". You can tell he really enjoyed singing it! I love this compilation!

[@allaboutrecords]

Ellis Johnson was a wonderful bass singer and a. real gentleman. He died much too young.

[@weotalks2810]

I met him..what a kool dude.. voice blew my mind.rip

[@KendallKent]

When did you meet him?

[@weotalks2810]

@@KendallKent I MET on SEVERAL OCCASIONS in Brooklyn & RICHMOND VA. Last Time I Spoke with was 1982 I believe

[@KendallKent]

Tyrone norfleet Norfleet have you ever met William Bobo?

[@weotalks2810]

@@KendallKent No ,But REV.CLAUDE JETER use to BRAG ABout him...My FAVORITE Bass was ELLIS he was Outstanding lead...But I did see JIMMY JONES in 1968, And he STUNNED THe church,We Jumped in Shock.

[@KendallKent]

Tyrone norfleet Norfleet what did Claude used to say about Bobo!?

[@ericyoung3981]

Nurse told me my voice sounds like Mr. Ellis. Thought I'd check him out. Deep man!

[@KendallKent]

Can you sing like Mr. Ellis though?

[@metra135studios9]

What are the songs?

[@KendallKent]

Would you like me to name them all? I’ll do it on messenger

[@metra135studios9]

Kendall Kent Sure.

[@KendallKent]

@@metra135studios9 sent

[@19Edurne]

@@KendallKent I'm interrested too... you should put them in the description. You would only have to do it once and not be bothered to sent it each time someone stumbles upon your vid. :)

[@ailtonsouzadearaujojunior2210]

Which are the first and second songs?

[@KendallKent]

In Jerusalem and Mary Don’t You Weep by the Harmonizing Four

[@ailtonsouzadearaujojunior2210]

@@KendallKent Many thanks!

[@vitormrmr]

0:07 D2

[@KendallKent]

Yes indeed