Ronell Johnson obit

Ronell Johnson, Preservation Hall Jazz Band Trombonist, Dies At 49

 He was not on the list.

Ronell Johnson, the trombonist, vocalist, and sousaphonist known for his work with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and various other New Orleans-based ensembles, has passed away at age 49. His passing was confirmed in a series of posts by Preservation Hall. The posts did not specify a cause of death, though he had reportedly suffered a heart attack earlier this year.

“Ronell Johnson was a beacon,” reads a post announcing Johnson’s passing on Preservation Hall’s social media. “His love for music and community reverberated everywhere he went. His presence was larger than life, uplifting everyone who had the honor of crossing paths with him. Whether on stage, in the Hall, or in a passing conversation, his joy, kindness, and generosity left a lasting impact that we will carry with us always.”

“Ronell had great purpose in life, to bring joy and happiness to others through his music,” wrote Preservation Hall creative director, bassist, and tuba player Ben Jaffe. “[He] was a once in a generation talent and human being. I am processing this loss and will have more to say. Now, I am giving thanks for having known him. His joy was infectious. He made us all better. His heart was too big for this earth.”

“Ronell Johnson truly one of the greatest musicians I have ever had the pleasure of performing with,” Preservation Hall Jazz Band guitarist Joshua Starkman wrote alongside a clip of him accompanying an ebullient Johnson on a lighthearted 1920s jazz tune. “Not just as a trombonist and vocalist but as a person who showed love and connection with everyone he came across. … I have never seen a musician with such enthusiasm to entertain and bring joy to everyone around him. What an inspiration. New Orleans and the world are going to miss him dearly, gone too soon.”

As Preservation Hall photographer Steve Rapport said in a separate post alongside a selection of photos, “This was an extraordinary and immensely talented musician with an incredibly happy and gregarious personality, and a beautiful, warm and caring wife, who quite literally lit up each and every room he wandered into. He gave so much of himself every minute of every day, and New Orleans was always a better place for his presence. His 3D trombone playing wasn’t great just because of its technically virtuosity, but also because every note was infused with his joy of life and his unquenchable passion for music. And the same can be said for his fabulous singing, which was always accompanied by goofy dancing and trombone shenanigans.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by members of the Preservation Hall community to help cover medical and funeral costs for Ronell Johnson. Read the campaign description below or make a contribution here.

Our community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Ronell Johnson, a beloved musician, friend, colleague, and family member whose life and artistry touched so many.

For nearly 30 years, Ronell was part of the Preservation Hall family, performing multiple times a week at Preservation Hall in New Orleans and traveling the world with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Night after night, city after city, Ronell carried the spirit of New Orleans with him, sharing the music with audiences near and far.

Ronell had that rare and beautiful gift great musicians carry: he could lift a room the moment he began to play. He brought smiles to people’s faces and joy into their hearts. His musicianship was deep, soulful, generous, and full of life. He expressed love through his music, through his craft, and through the way he showed up for the people around him.

We all know that Ronell was a deeply giving person, someone who so often put others ahead of himself. He gave freely through his music, his presence, his spirit, and his heart. Now it is our time to give back to someone who gave all of us such a great gift: joy, music, and love.

At this very difficult time, Ronell’s family is carrying the emotional weight of his passing while also facing the financial burden of funeral expenses and medical care. As a community, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to surround them with love, support, and relief.

We are raising funds to help cover Ronell’s funeral arrangements and outstanding medical expenses, and to give his family some measure of peace as they navigate the days ahead. No family should have to carry these burdens alone, especially while grieving someone so deeply loved.

At this time, funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. When arrangements have been made, we will share that information with our community.

Any contribution, large or small, will make a meaningful difference. Sharing this fundraiser is also a powerful way to help.

Ronell gave so much beauty to the world through his music, his spirit, and his presence. He gave us joy. He gave us love. He gave us the sound of a life devoted to music. Now it is our turn to give something back to him and to the family he leaves behind.

With gratitude, love, and deep respect,

The Preservation Hall Community / Friends of Ronell Johnson