Alex Johnson

Awarded: 2022
Born: Concord, North Carolina

"It was a risky proposition but there was no doubt in my mind that it would not work."

- Alex Johnson

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Without Dr. Alex Johnson taking a chance and acting on his vision, the Tri-C JazzFest would have never seen the light of day – literally. It was his dream to move the festival outdoors at Playhouse Square to allow for greater community engagement and provide an opportunity for everyone to experience free musical entertainment. The experiment that began in 2014 was an instant success.

Retiring as President of Cuyahoga Community College in 2022, Dr. Johnson sees that JazzFest is a chance to enliven the art form, serve as a showcase for the institution and provide an educational opportunity for talented youth to cultivate their craft. He is proud that he was able to continue the work of his predecessors during his tenure, Jazz Legends Dr. Nolan Ellison and Dr. Jerry Sue Thornton.