LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Ray Johnson was nominated by a colleague, LaTosha Bennett.

"OUT MARCH! OUT PLAY! OUT DISCIPLINE! These are the words you'd hear boldly exclaimed wholeheartedly every night as the Marching 100 concludes practice. Self-proclaimed as the "Best Band in the Land," the young men are currently under the direction of Mr. Ray V. Johnson, Sr. He is a 1981 school graduate and served as drum major during his Senior year. Subsequently, he went on to become assistant director of the Marching 100 under the directorship of Mr. Edwin Hampton (esteemed founder and long-time bandmaster of the Marching 100) for 11 years, and to date, continues to exemplify the legacy and tradition of the world-renowned and highly influential marching band," said Bennett.

View Bended Knees: The Story of the St. Augustine HS Marching 100 to learn more about the band's history.

Educational Background

• Woodson Jr. High School (Walter Harris)
• St. Augustine HS, 1978-1981 (Edwin Hampton)
• Xavier University (attended one year)
• Southeastern Louisiana University (Bugle Corps)
• St. Augustine HS Assistant Band Director
• John McDonogh HS Band Director
• Algiers Technology Academy Band Director
• St. Mary's Academy Band Director
• St. Augustine HS Band Director

"There's so much that I can say about Mr. Johnson. From where I stand, he is like a big brother and mentor to me. As a motivator, every morning, like clockwork, Ray sends out an inspiring and thought-provoking message to our entire team to jump-start our day before classes begin. Additionally, students look up to him because they know they can count on him to maintain a safe environment and be fair. He is trustworthy, and his decision-making is always in his students' best interest. He has created many opportunities for his students to gain different experience levels as musicians. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the band recorded the song 'Freedom' with St. Augustine alum Jon Batiste. It was nominated for a Grammy and won. The band continues to perform in so many places. In the summer of 2024, members will be going to France," said Bennett.

"If you mention Mr. Johnson's name in the community, almost everyone will have an exciting memory to share and something positive to say about his character and leadership skills," said Bennett.

To recognize Ray's (and one student's) hard work and dedication recently, Jon Batiste and Khaby Lame surprised him with a Samsung Golden Ticket. Click the following link to watch Samsung Golden Ticket Winners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KofVB6lMrBQ&t=326s.

Check out the links below to learn more about Mr. Johnson and the Marching 100.

Let's Talk with Keith Spera: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hleAsR8f8bo

Emerging from the Pandemic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGTu7gl5icQ

Local Legends: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNoG0BdIkc4

2022 Grammy- "We Are": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YHVC1DcHmo