Dr. James Tare Johnson, fondly known to all as Dr. J., was a part of the University of Pittsburgh music family for almost 50 years. He was among the first wave of graduate students that Dr. Nathan Davis brought to the new Jazz Studies program at Pitt.  Dr. J. came to Pitt and Pittsburgh in 1977 from Grambling, the football famous HBCU with the world-famous marching band in Grambling, LA. Originally a violinist and music education major, Dr. J. became a master pianist and went on to earn an ethnomusicology Ph.D. at Pitt in 1988. Dr. J. established a reputation of as one of Pittsburgh finest jazz and church musicians. Along with his wife Pam, he founded the Afro American Music Institute—the community educational jewel now located on Hamilton Ave in Homewood. He and Pam have led AAMI for the 44 or so years that it has been providing music instruction to thousands of students of all ages. 

Dr. J never left Pitt. Along with Dr. Davis, he developed the course "African American Music in the US," which he taught for at least the last 20 years, and for many years led a gospel choir at Pitt. Just two years ago Pitt recognized Dr. J. along with 6 other community leaders during its 2024 K. Leroy Irvis Black History Month Celebration.   

Here is how he was described in that award ceremony:

Creative Changemaker: James T. Johnson Jr., — better known as “Dr. J” — has promoted Black music initiatives in Pittsburgh for more than 40 years. Classically trained as a violinist, Johnson was teaching at Grambling State University when he was recruited to the University of Pittsburgh in 1977 by Nathan Davis, founder of Pitt’s Jazz Studies Program. In 1982, Johnson and his wife Pamela founded the African American Music Institute in the city’s Homewood neighborhood. Since that time, the institute has provided workshops, lesson, and public performances for approximately 300 young people every year. He has maintained his connection to Pitt as well, teaching the Music Department’s popular course in “African American Music,” and mentoring graduate students.

Dr James Tare Johnson made his life count in Pittsburgh, and over the years thousands of lives have been improved through the study and performance of music.

Aaron J. Johnson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Music
Chair, Department of Music