(from today’s Harrisonburg Daily News Record)
Tony D. Johnson, 44
Tony Douglas Johnson, 44, of Harrisonburg, died Sunday, May 20, 2007, at his home.
Mr. Johnson was born July 25, 1962, in Harrisonburg, and was a son of Hugh and Jessie Dean Johnson of Harrisonburg.
He graduated from Eastern Mennonite High School in 1980. He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston and was a guitarist and songwriter.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sons, Joshua and Samuel Johnson; a daughter, Hannah Johnson; a brother, Randy Johnson of Harrisonburg; and a sister, Eve German of Fredericksburg.
Pastors Merle Shank and Tim McAvoy will conduct a graveside service 2 p.m. Wednesday at Beaver Creek Cemetery near Montezuma.
Arrangements are by Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.
I don’t remember exactly when or where I met Tony. I suppose it was at John C. Myers Middle School. I do know that the first moment I ever heard him play a guitar, he was somebody I wanted to know — and be around — a lot. We became fast friends. He taught me to play and for the next several years it’s all I wanted to do. I spent countless weekends at the Johnson house, where the four of us; Tony, Eve, Randy, and me were holed up in the basement, working out melodies, harmonies, guitar and keyboard riffs until our fingers hurt and we were all pissed off at each other (ever see our VH1 “Behind the Music?” – ha!)
Our band must have been called something, but I can’t begin to remember what it was…The Doobie Brothers? I think that was it, yeah. I remember one time we were playing for some Horsemen’s Association party and the drums sounded weird. I looked back and Randy’s snare drum was rolling across the stage. Our equipment guy was so effing fired that night!
Through all of that, Tony was the Leader of the Band. Tony was The Man.
More than a great musician, he was a great friend. I remember his silly sense of humor, and his quiet, dignified manner. I will miss him.
John Dove (J.D.)
I MET TONY IN THE 80`S .WE PLAYED IN A TOP SHELF BAND THE COACHMEN
FOR I`D SAY 2 YEARS ..WE BECAME VERY GOOD FRIENDS AND HAD A BALL PLAYING THE BEST PAID AND BEST VENUES IN HARRISONBURG,ROCKINGHAM CO.
I LOVED THE MANS SPIRIT AND HIS ABILITY TO PLAY AND SING.
HE WAS ONEOFTHE MOST OPTIMISTIC PLAYERS I PLAYED MUSIC WITH IN MY 25 YEARS PLUS IN THE BUSINESS.NO ATTITUDE WHAT SO EVER PERIOD.
TONY WROTE A SONG AND PLAYED SOLO FOR MY WIFE AND MY WEDDING..
THAT WILL FOREVER BE EMBEDDED IN MY MIND..HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED
IN OUR HEARTS AND IN OUR MINDS FOREVER…GOD BLESS FAMILY AND FRIENDS
SINCERELY,LEWIS BAGWELL