Longtime radio and television figure known as “Super Jay” Johnson has died at age 78 after a long illness. A native of Louisville, Johnson launched his career in Chicago, first at WGRT and then WVON, where he hosted afternoons through much of the 1970s. He also served as a booth announcer for WBBM-TV before moving to Indianapolis to become Program Director and afternoon host at 105.7 WTLC-FM.
Johnson’s obituary highlights his pivotal role in lifting both the station and the city during the 1980s and 1990s. He helped bring world-renowned entertainers, athletes, activists, and thought leaders to Indianapolis’ premier events, including the Indiana Black Expo and the Circle City Classic. Under his leadership, WTLC was named Black Radio Exclusive’s Station of the Year in 1980 and 1984, and Billboard’s Soul Station of the Year in 1981. In the 1980s, he expanded into television in Indianapolis as an entertainment reporter and weatherman, and he hosted the public affairs program Black Focus on CBS affiliate WISH-TV. Among his many honors, he was named Billboard’s Announcer and Program Director of the Year, received multiple Black Radio Exclusive awards, and earned one of Indiana’s highest civilian honors, the Sagamore of the Wabash.
Johnson later held roles with ABC Radio Networks in Dallas and Westwood One in Los Angeles before launching his own JJE Voice Works voiceover studio in Plano, Texas.
Legacy and impact
Johnson’s career spanned radio, television, and mentorship, leaving a lasting imprint on Indianapolis broadcasting and the broader Midwest media landscape. His work with WTLC helped elevate the profile of Black entertainment and community events, while his later voiceover venture continued to influence the industry through audio work and training. His achievements—from station awards to the Sagamore of the Wabash—underscore a commitment to excellence and community engagement that resonated beyond the studio walls.
If you’d like, I can add a concise summary box for the homepage, or craft a short “In memoriam” sidebar highlighting his key milestones and awards.