He taught the mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick when she was launching her career.
With his wife Deena Puffer, he translated The Merry Widow into English, producing a libretto favored by some singers.
He was the founder of the Nevada Opera, and its artistic director through the 1998/99 season.
From 1994 until his death in 2003 he was on the voice faculty of the Manhattan School of Music in New York City.
His nickname was Johnny "Opera" Seed for growing so many companies.