[1] He recorded extensively with Jackie McLean during the 1960s as well as with Ornette Coleman, Kenny Burrell, Bud Shank, Paul Beaver, and Bernie Krause, among others.
[1][3] During his childhood he took dancing, singing, and mime lessons, and appeared on the Star Time Kids television program at age 7.
[3] In New York City, he worked with tubist Howard Johnson and trumpeter Woody Shaw as the bebop period came to an end.
[3] In his later years, Johnson lived in Austin, Texas, where he continued to perform at venues such as Top of the Marc, and released I'll Be Home for Kwanzaa on the Bagel Label.
[3][5] During this time, he appeared on Jackie's Blues Bag by the Hip Bop Essence All Stars, a group that also included Branford Marsalis, Javon Jackson, and Vincent Herring.