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John Johnson

Host of Johnson's Improbable History of Pop

When asked where he draws his inspiration for Johnson’s Improbable History of Pop, John had this to say, “I write and produce based on my interest in all forms of popular music. I've been listening to this "stuff" since in pre-school.”  That seems to work well for John, who’s produced 625 shows since 1995.  The show evolved out of an idea John had in December ’93.  He did a few specials and the concept eventually gelled into the JIHOP of today.  Outside of the studio, John recently retired from Boeing and enjoys golf, jogging and radio, especially the Saturday night lineup on KPBX.  He and his wife Melinda have two daughters Korissa and Alicia, and 3 grandchildren.

  • November 4, 2017Styx at the Starting GateGuest Doug Buckley with highlights from Chicago bands early 1970's output on the independent Wooden Nickel label…
  • September 30 & October 7, 2017An Alternate OktoberfestCelebrate the Munich festival with samples of the West German progressive rock movement of the early…
  • September 2, 2017Paul Butterfield Blues BandThe influential Chicago group featuring guitarists Mike Bloomfield and Pigout at the Park guest Elvin…
  • August 5, 2017Little WalterA tribute to harmonica player and vocalist Little Walter, a man often called the Charlie Parker of blues harp and a mainstay of…
  • July 1, 2017The Original Psychadelic Folk Rock Blues BandThe Grateful Dead in the early days of 1966 and 1967 captured live up and down the West…
  • June 3, 2017British Hard Rock ContendersThe stories of Spooky Tooth and Steamhammer, who both issued multiple quality albums with modest commercial…
  • May 6, 2017Still Going FastCheck Berry, Hoyt Axton, the Beach Boys, and Spokane's own Charlie Ryan with tales of vehicles and their drivers that zoom by…
  • April 1, 2017Leon RussellA birthday eve tribute to the recently departed Oklahome born singer/songwriter (encore from 11/28/09)April 8,…
  • March 4, 2017Through the Looking GlassA special effects packed singles from the U.K.'s psychedelic explosion of the late 1960's. Including such nearly…
  • February 4 & 11, 2017Here Comes SummerThe ice and snow will eventually melt, that's a promise. Meanwhile change your own climate with a two part special…