Los Angeles, CA (BlackNews.com) — A public memorial service is scheduled to pay honor to music industry veteran, Augie Johnson, on Saturday November 15, 2014 at Centinela Valley Performing Arts located at 14901 S. Inglewood Ave. Lawndale, CA, 90278 at 11 a.m. August “Augie” Johnson, best known as creator of 1970s R&B group, Side Effect, with hit singles, “Always There” and “Keep That Same Old Feeling” passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 11, 2014 at his home in Long Beach, CA.
Augie was born on August 2, 1948 in New Orleans, LA and was raised in Southern California. He graduated from Washington High School and served in the United States Army from 1970 – 1972. As an entrepreneur, Augie owned and operated “Augie’s Distinctive Cleaners” on Crenshaw Blvd for many years. This establishment was a Los Angeles landmark that served the community for decades.
Johnsons father, August Sr., instilled in him an early appreciation of music. His dad trained him to play all of the woodwind instruments and also taught him to scat, a jazz vocal technique popular in the New Orleans area. Augies road to success began with the American Legions Band, proceeding to the Bob Mitchell Boys Choir, and later the Doodle Town Pipers. He formed several musical groups over the years: Side Effect, The L.A. Boppers, and the Duprells. Augie was a singer, producer, writer, arranger, and talent mentor. His versatility afforded him opportunities to work with high profile entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Quincy Jones, Boz Scaggs and Michael Jackson.Left to cherish memories of his love and laughter are his fiancé Cathi Le Day and his children Toi Carmichael, Damon Johnson Sr., Tishema Cromwell, Nicholas Howard Johnson, Amber Johnson, and August Johnson, Jr., plus 8 grandchildren and a great-grandson.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to: Shades of Music Entertainment c/o Augie Johnson, P.O. Box 6506, San Pedro, CA 90734.
Confirmed speakers include veteran radio disc jockey JJ Johnson, Radio host/POWER 106 DJ Big Boy and Comedian/Actor T.K. Carter. Special performances by Augies Side Effect, L.A. Boppers, Lina Loi plus an authentic 2nd line lead by Stanley LeSassier.
The celebration of life musical tribute will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday November 15, 2014 at Centinela Valley Performing Arts located at 14901 S. Inglewood Ave. Lawndale, CA, 90278.
