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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.

  • February 6, 2016Lovin' SpoonfulGood timey folk rock from popular New York City band with a mix of hits, B-sides, album tracks, and soundtrack…
  • January 2, 2016Motown and the Birth of Northern Soul Pt 2A two part survey on the powerful impact of America's greatest black music label on an entire…
  • December 5, 2015A Tribute to Chris Squire Special guest Doug Buckley with a career retrospective on this influential bass player and founding member of…
  • November 7, 2015Faith BandSpecial guest Bob Gallagher shares the music and details of this underrated Indianapolis group.November 14, 2015Second CanThis…
  • October 5, 2015Aretha's B-SidesHighlights from Aretha Franklin's many hidden gems from her glory years at Atlantic Records as the undisputed Queen of…
  • September 5, 2015What's So Bad About Louie Louie?Early 1970's bands rejected the era's peace and love sensibilities for a more basic garage rock approach.…
  • July 4, 2015Europe 1972Celebrate Independence Day with the Grateful Dead on tour from what many faithful regard as their peak period. Includes material…
  • August 1, 2015The Story TellersCareer highlights from a pair of country's best songwriters ever, Tom T. Hall and Roger Miller.August 8, 2015Seventy Years…
  • April 5, 2015Apple Capitol Rock and RollGuest Dustin Hayes with the remarkable story and music of Julian Records from Wenatchee, a small label run by a…
  • March 7, 2015Forster & McLennanA survey of the solo careers of Robert Forster and Grant McLennan from Australia's great pop band of the 1980's, the…