Robert M. Johnson, 81, teacher

Robert Matthew Johnson, 81, a longtime Philadelphia School District teacher, a vocalist, and a student of the Negro spiritual, died Monday, Jan. 5, of Parkinson's disease at Woodmont Center in Spotsylvania County, Va.

Dr. Johnson made Philadelphia his home in 1963 and remained there until moving to Virginia in 2012. For almost 30 years, he taught in five city high schools and at the college level, retiring in 1991.

Born in Bowling Green, Va., he graduated from Union High School before serving in the Army. He enrolled in Hampton Institute, now a university, in Hampton, Va., where he earned a bachelor of science degree in music education and performance.

Dr. Johnson earned a master's degree in applied music from Temple University. After finishing a dissertation on the social importance of African American religious folk songs and their use of symbolism, he received a doctorate in music arts from Combs College of Music in Philadelphia.

Blessed with a rich bass, Dr. Johnson performed recitals and conducted workshops on understanding Negro spirituals. He sang with Opera Ebony and the Philmont Opera Company.

A highlight of his career was being chosen in January 1972 as a soloist for the swearing-in of Common Pleas Court Judge Harvey N. Schmidt at the Academy of Music.

One of nine children, Dr. Johnson was raised with his brother William in his grandmother's home in Bowling Green. The household was infused with faith and music that helped form his career aspirations.

He was a minister of music at Calvary Baptist Church of Ardmore and for 30 years directed music at Wayland Temple Baptist Church in North Philadelphia.

"He understood that music was a key ingredient to the worship service, and ensured that it was framed accurately with the liturgy," his family said in a tribute.

He was a member of the W. Russell Johnson Music Guild of the National Association of Negro Musicians, the Thomas Dorsey National Association of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, and the Hampton University Alumni Association - Philadelphia Chapter.

In person, Dr. Johnson, a bachelor, was warm and compassionate and never angry. "He had a bubbling personality and a stark sense of humor that would leave you in stitches," his family said.

Surviving are a sister; five brothers; and nieces and nephews. Two other brothers died earlier.

A memorial service and musical celebration will be held at noon Saturday, Jan. 24, at Wayland Temple Baptist Church, 2500 Cecil B. Moore Ave. Burial was Jan. 14 in Virginia.

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