Feb. 7, 1968: Michigan Chronicle columnist Joseph “Ziggy” Johnson joins the ancestors

On this day in 1968, Michigan Chronicle columnist, nightclub impresario and local dance studio instructor Joseph “Ziggy” Johnson joins the ancestors.

He was 54.

Johnson was master of ceremonies at the famed Flame Show Bar in Paradise Valley and had been emcee at the 20 Grand Lounge at the time of his death.

The funeral will be held at New Bethel Baptist Church on Linwood, where the Rev. C.L. Franklin will officiate, state Rep. James Del Rio will offer a tribute from the Michigan House of Representatives, and recording artist Arthur Prysock will sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”