Obituary of Joseph Johnson

Jacksonville's Father of Blues

Joseph Edward "Papa Ned" Johnson, Jr., 59, passed away January 21, 2010, after a lengthy illness.

"Papa Ned," guitarist and singer, was dubbed "Jacksonville's Father of Blues" by Legendary Blues News (1992) and hailed as a driving force behind two iconic Jacksonville Blues venues, Applejack's and Magnolia's, and for keeping "the Blues alive herePapa Ned wouldn't give up, and we all need to thank him for that."

"Papa Ned" Johnson played with some of the great Blues artists of his time, including Buddy Miles, Tinsley Ellis, Bill Wharton and Derek Trucks. He frequently backed singer-songwriters Mary Ann Hawkins, Sam Milner and Ace Moreland. "Ned had a style all his own, a voice like no other" said Hawkins, "He made me want to sing my songs the way he did. He could almost talk the song." Johnson's signature improvisational guitar work with his own band, Blue Smoke, garnered attention as the "Blue Smoke Brand of Blues."

Remembered as a lifelong entertainer who loved life, Blues, and barbecue (his "Q" won awards), "Papa Ned," with a smile before he passed, said "Life is delicious."

Born in Wilmington, NC, to J. Edward Johnson and Bridget O'Brien Johnson, Ned Johnson graduated Bishop Kenny High before attending Florida State University. "Ned always tried to make the world a better placehe knew no strangers," recalls his wife of 37 years, Shirley Vaughn Johnson: "Ned helped so many people in their life's journey."

He is also survived by his mother, Bridget O'Brien Johnson; daughter, Heather O'Brien Johnson; brother, Martin O'Brien Johnson; sister, Margaret Johnson Goland and extended loving family and friends.

A memorial gathering to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 3pm to 6pm at the Marriot South Point in Jacksonville, Florida. Arlington Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (724-6384).