Today we sadly report the news of the passing of a music legend, Terry Johnson of the group The Flamingos. He was 86.
Few vocal groups bridged the doo-wop and soul eras with the grace and sophistication of The Flamingos, and the Baltimore-born Johnson was a key part of that success. Johnson joined the group in 1958 and brought with him formidable gifts as a singer, guitarist songwriter, and arranger whose silky tenor and studio savvy helped define their classic sound.
It was Johnson who arranged and co-produced “I Only Have Eyes for You,” the 1959 masterpiece that transformed the old standard into one of the most hauntingly beautiful records of its time. His layered harmonies and shimmering guitar textures gave the group a celestial quality that set them apart from their peers and made the record an enduring touchstone for generations of soul and R&B fans.
Following the group’s hit-making years, the Flamingos split into multiple groups, with several acts operating under various versions of the Flamingos name over the years. Johnson was the owner of the Flamingos trademark, and continue to tour with his own version of the group well into the 21st century. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
