Known to the world as an accomplished jazz musician, Richard Johnson began his musical career at age five and graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in just two years. Immediately after, he entered the Boston Conservatory, where he earned a master’s degree in jazz pedagogy in 1997. In April 1998, Richard participated in the Thelonious Monk Institute South American Tour as part of the United States Cultural Presentation at the Presidential Summit in Santiago, Chile. He was the only piano player to play side by side with Herbie Hancock on that tour.

Upon arriving in New York City, Richard became a member of Wynton Marsalis' Septet and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, where he played from 2000 to 2003. In 2001, Richard led his own trio on a two-month tour of South and Central America.

Richard began running four years ago and completed a run across the continental United States for Steps Across, an organization that works to inspire Americans to engage in physical fitness activity. Currently, Richard runs 10 miles a day, in addition to keeping an active jazz-performance schedule.

Richard heard about the Blue Planet Run through his running group. A firm believer in controlling his own destiny, Richard seized the opportunity to “help the next person succeed in life so they can help another.” Having numerous people give to him over the years, he is relishing this opportunity to give back. Richard is also excited to see the many places in the world he has yet to visit and to bring to their people the message of hope from the Blue Planet Run.

Richard is currently touring the world through the United States government’s American Music Abroad program. He also maintains residencies with his Reach AFAR "Jazz to Hip Hop" programs across the United States, in addition to performing with the band AFAR.

For more details about what Richard's up to, please visit www.rjjazz.com