H. Wade Johnson Tickets

H. Wade Johnson is a respected director of bands and a dynamic performer known for leading the Pride Ensemble, a group delivering Smooth and Contemporary Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Funk, and Blues. Based in the Southeast, Johnson combines a robust educational background with a vibrant performance schedule that spans international stages and major regional venues. This page provides a detailed biography, highlights from his discography, and a look at upcoming tour dates for 2025.

With a career rooted in education and performance, Johnson has built a reputation for both teaching and performing at the highest level. As director of bands at Benedict College in Columbia, SC, he shapes young musicians while continuing to share his own artistry across the country. His international collaborations with industry greats and his appearances alongside jazz legends underscore a career that bridges classroom insight with on-stage excellence.

Explore upcoming performances, secure your seats, and follow Johnson’s evolving sound as he travels through the Southeast with the Pride Ensemble.

Johnson’s background blends formal study with real-world experience. He earned a BA/MA in Instrumental Music Education and Secondary Counseling from South Carolina State University, followed by an MA in Jazz Education from VanderCook College of Music. This blend informs his approach to performance and pedagogy, making him a sought-after clinician, mentor, and performer. When not on tour, he remains active in public education circles, sharing techniques and repertoire with aspiring musicians.

• Director of Bands, Benedict College (Columbia, SC)
• Leader, Pride Ensemble — Smooth/Contemporary Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Funk, Blues
• International performances with Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, Pee Wee Ellis
• Shared stages with Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton Marsalis, Joe Sample

Follow H. Wade Johnson for updates and new music releases, and keep an eye on tour schedules across the Southeast.