Isaiah Samuel Johnson Jr. (AKA) Terry Johnson

Isaiah Samuel Johnson (A/K/A) Terry Johnson of The Flamingos passed away on October 8th, 2025 at the age of 86. He was born on November 12,1938 in Baltimore, MD where he grew up until he left to join The Flamingos in December of 1956.

He formed his own group at the age of 14 in 1952 called The Whispers. He wrote and sang lead on 2 of the 4 songs recorded and released on the Gotham Label in Philadelphia in 1954.

After The Whispers, he joined The Flamingos in 1956 as their musical and vocal arranger, 1 of 4 lead singers,1st Tenor and Baritone. He also wrote and performed their first crossover hit 'Lovers Never Say Goodbye", also writing 'Mio Amore', the follow up for his biggest arrangement for the group 'I Only Have Eyes For You'. There were numerous other writings for the group as well.

After The Flamingos he formed his own group again called The Modern Flamingos, which included members Billy Paul and later Nate Nelson from The Flamingos. While working, Terry & Nate wrote and recorded 'Let's Be Lovers' under the name The Starglows on the ATCO label.

After The 'Modern Flamingos he became writing and producing partners with Smokey Robinson at Motown Records, writing, producing and recording for The Miracles, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Supremes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Edwin Star, The Marvelettes, David Ruffin, Jimmy Ruffin, Bobby Taylor and The Vancouvers and many more.

He also had his own solo releases under the Gordy Label.

After Motown he teamed up and married writing/producing partner Theresa Trigg. They perform together

for 49 years all over the world as they continued to write and produce records. In 1991 they formed their own record label, Hot Fun Records, which is still releasing new record! on numerous artists today.

Terry was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. He was celebrating his 71st year and 8th decade in the music industry. Terry, as the last living original member of the original Flamingos, along with his own Flamingos group, continued to perform concerts all over the world while writing and producing records until age 86, caring on the legacy, performing live on 2 PBS Specials and an appearance on The View. Terry was still writing and producing in his studio while sitting in a wheelchair with supplemental oxygen, as he faced and accepted his fate. He was determined to live on in the music with new recordings releasing after his death. His wife Theresa always said, "If you put a stethoscope to Terry's heart, you will hear music." Terry is now the 'star that is forever out tonight'

He is survived by his Wife, cousins, nieces, nephews, daughter -in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great- great grandchildren.

Theresa Johnson would like to thank Palm Eastern Mortuary and Cemetery for the care and compassion they showed her in her time of grief and the difficult task in planning the funeral on her own. This organization and their staff are to be highly commended for their service to the community and extreme ease at which every detail is handled to perfection. Theresa would also like to give her deepest thank you to the Rhythm and Blues Foundation for helping with expenses. This organization was set up by the talented artist/singer Ruth Brown and contributions from record companies to honor and support any artist that they inducted. It is truly an organization that appreciates the hard work and sacrifices that many artist have made to give the world memorable music. They don't just give you a dinner and an award, they stand by the artist, as it should be.

Family and friends are invited to attend the graveside memorial service held at Palm Eastern Mortuary and Cemetery in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 12, 2025, which is also Terry's birthday. The service will start promptly at 2:00pm, ending at 3:00 PM. Ladies are advised to wear flats because you will be walking on grass.

DIRECTIONS: Palm Eastern, 7600 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89123

Upon entering Palm Eastern, take your first right and follow the road around until you see the water &

fountain on your left. Then you will see a large mausoleum building on your left and then you should see the tent & chairs set up for the memorial on your left. Park along the curbs.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Terry Isaiah Johnson's honor to:

The Rhythm and Blues Foundation, Damon Williams, Pres. - [email protected]

OR - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital,

OR - MusiCares.org, sponsored by The Recording Academy

A committal service for Isaiah will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Palm Mortuary - Eastern, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123.