Joe started on the road that would lead him to jazz distinction at an early age in Memphis,Tn where he played in his high schools music program and his family's church choir. Raised on R&B, Gospel Music and Memphis Blues , Johnson attributes his high school band director Emerson Able, for steering him in the right musical direction. "Mr. Able made sure that I was well prepared musically to face the world and never let me suffer from any delusions of grandeur".