Rupert Alexander “Johnny” Johnson, a former member of The Techniques, died in Miami on January 9 at age 76. His son, Jaimie, gave heart failure as the cause of death.
Johnson is best remembered musically as lead singer on Travelling Man, a big hit for the trio in the late 1960’s. He also led them on It’s You I Love.
Born in Trench Town, Kingston, Johnson began his music career with another harmony group, The Attractions, which recorded for Sonia Pottinger, one of Jamaica’s first female producers.
After leaving that group, he joined The Techniques, replacing Pat Kelly. Johnson left them to join the Jamaica army where he remained for 19 years and rose to the rank of captain.
He became a computer programmer after leaving the army, working in that capacity for top commercial banks in Jamaica. Johnson returned to music in the 1990’s as a member of the revamped Techniques, alongside Kelly and Lloyd Parks.
Prior to moving to Miami, he lived in Atlanta where he operated Johnny’s Jerk restaurant.
Johnny Johnson is survived by four children and six grandchildren.
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