Bill Johnson

Bill Johnson is the general manager of WRTI, Philadelphia’s classical and jazz station, where he served as station manager for 16 years before his 2017 appointment. Johnson’s focus is on increasing service to listeners and forging strong relationships with the jazz community, including bringing the work of local jazz musicians to Philadelphia’s airwaves via live performances. An avid lover of classical music and jazz who has played the trumpet for 40 years, Johnson believes that jazz is for everyone, that jazz should be everywhere, and that it’s an art form that provides a model and inspiration for social change. He currently serves on the board of the International Society for Improvised Music and has also served on the boards of WYBE and the African-American Jazz Caucus of the International Association for Jazz Education. Johnson is also a veteran corporate and foundation relations specialist who has held top positions at both Temple University and at his alma mater, Cornell University.