Nationwide — Radio Facts is reporting that music industry vet Wes “Party” Johnson has died. Johnson is most well-known for his tenure at Def Jam records. He was suffering from cancer for several years and passed on Mother’s Day.
As his career continued to blossom, Wes left WOOK to go to work for Great Bay Distribution as an independent promotions representative. During this time a new art form was emerging… Rap music. The presentation of this music was new, its creators were non established and commercial radio wasn’t eager to format it. Wes “Party” Johnson, through his straightforward manner and natural talent for generating creative ideas, was instrumental in getting airplay for this non-traditional music on many area radio stations. He excelled at what was seemingly impossible… getting radio adds and airplay on Rap music!
Through his keen vision and foresight, Wes realized the potential of this new art form, the need for his talent and a rapidly emerging niche. The next step was going into business for himself and the formation of his company, NO DOUBT PROMOTIONS. Because of the success of No Doubt Promotions, many artists with music that featured this new art form experienced airplay and huge sales that led to gold and platinum certifications. One label that benefited most from Wes’ talents was a new Rap influenced company called Def Jam. Not surprisingly, Def Jam Recordings later recruited Wes Johnson to be their National Director of Promotions. Within three (3) years, his business acumen and instincts earned him the title of Senior Vice President of Marketing and Promotion. Wes Johnson was the creative marketing talent behind most of the commercially significant Rap and Hip-Hop artists whose sound would re-define the term “Urban,” worldwide.
While still at Def Jam, Wes started Randy Boy, Inc. His strong reputation and experience quickly attracted high quality promotion assignments. With the recent sale of Def Jam and his involvement now as a consultant, Wes is excited to devote his energies to NTR Enterprises, Inc.
Wes is a native of Baltimore, MD. He is highly respected and honored by the music industry and his community. His awards literally number in the hundreds. According to Wes, his most notable award is the Lifetime Achievement Award given to him by Def Jam Recordings on their 10th Anniversary; LL COOL J presented the award. Also among his favorites is the GRIOT Award, given to executives who have given back to the community, which reflects Wes “Party” Johnson’s dedication to helping his peers.
Record executive Kevin Liles told AllAccess.com, “Wes taught me when you meet people it’s never about their job titles; it’s about them. At the time I met him I was Regional Manager; he made sure I met everybody. Wes took me at 23 years old and sent me to the West Coast to open up the our DEF JAM office out there. I have never accepted any award I have ever won as a promotions person; I always accepted on behalf of Wes Johnson.”
Johnnie Walker, another former Def Jam JAM record exec. told AllAccess.com, “He was a teacher and a mentor. He introduced me to the record business. Wes was a party at the office, at dinner, or where he was. He was always smiling and encouraging.”
He will be missed and loved by friends and family from all over the world.
SOURCES:
Radio Facts – www.radiofacts.com/industry-vet-wes-party-johnson-dies/
All Access – www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/129570/r-i-p-wes-party-johnson