Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick (DJRic) Johnson.
Hi DJRic, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born in 1964 and raised in Washington, DC, I grew up in a home rooted deeply in education and music.
My mother, Mildred Johnson, worked in UDC’s administration department, while my father, Leonard
Johnson, was a musician—the lead singer of the legendary Elcorols Band—who performed alongside
Motown greats, opened for Chuck Brown, and was inducted into the Washington, DC Archives of Music.
Blessed with both athletic talent and a natural ear for rhythm, I became an All-American track and
football star in high school. In 1980, I helped form the Go-Go Band Oasis, performing for the next decade
while simultaneously running track and playing football for UDC. Though family challenges cut my
academic path short, my passion for music only intensified.
I transitioned into sound engineering and DJing, reinventing myself as DJRic and creating DJRic
Entertainment, where I have spent decades providing professional DJ and sound services for
unforgettable events across the region. My work has connected me with top-tier local and national
talent, including A.F.R.O.B.A.M., Marcus Johnson, the Kevin Howard All-Star Band, the Earth, Wind &
Fire, Greg Boyer, Phaze ll Band and many more.
Expanding my influence beyond the stage, I launched Step Your Game Up – Youth Project Radio Show,
interviewing artists such as my own father about the legacy of the Elcorols. I later served as host and DJ
for Heartbeat Conga Hour Live Radio TV Podcast for six years and currently serve as a co-host and DJ for
PartyMode Live Radio TV Podcast. Through the media work of PartyMode Live, the podcast has earned
notable recognition, including the 2020 Go Go Awards, the DMV MAMAs Awards, and a finalist position
in the Washington Informer’s Best of the DMV 2025.
With over 40 years in the DC music scene, I embody the sound and soul of the city—honoring its roots,
uplifting its artists, and bringing its unmistakable vibe to every event I touch.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been far from a smooth road. After being an High School All American, Then as a standout in track and football at the
University of the District of Columbia, I lost my grandfather who was everything to me while I was at the University, it took a major setback in my academic career. which I never returned. It pushed me back to the roots
to focus more on music. Even after dealing with the loss and overcoming some of life’s struggles
my road has continued to be challenging at times. Like any independent creative artist, issues such as
downtime, relevancy, and the lack of time and resources can lead to periods of staleness. February 24,2021 I lost my wife of34 years pass away March 24, 2021 from cancer. Change me in many ways of how I think, how I see a lot of things in life theses days. But despite
the setbacks, struggles, and grief, I still find the perseverance to pour my love into my creativity and my
passion for music.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that consistency beats everything—talent, hype, and even
timing. When you’re an independent creative, nobody’s coming to push you; you have to show up for
yourself every single day. The days when the gigs are slow, streams are low, or the energy isn’t at its
best are actually the days that shape you the most. Staying true to my sound, treating every set like it
matters, and building real connections with people have taught me that growth happens quietly, long
before anyone notices. Keep going, keep improving, and the right moments eventually find you.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love creating entertainment atmospheres. I am the founder of DJRic Entertainment DJ and Sound,
where I have had the privilege of being one of only six engineers to master sound at the Washington
National Cathedral. I have also had the opportunity to provide my sound engineering and DJ talents to
prestigious events such as the Mayor’s Black Caucus Conference, Eckington Day at Alethia Tanner Park,
the Savor Bowie Food, Wine, and Music Festival, Suitland Fest, multiple community day events for Coral
Hills and Capitol Heights, and Juneteenth festivals in Cumberland, MD, Westminster, MD, and
Washington, DC—just to name a few.
Through my entertainment company, I have also had the pleasure of working with many talented local
bands and artists, such as the Greg Boyer All-Star Band, Sade Tribute Band, Bill Henry Band, Phase II
Band, Body of Evidence, Blacc Print, Black Passion Band, Shirleta Settles, Father and Children Band,
Prophecy Band, The Element of Surprise, Pump Blenders, Bands of Roses, and Ms. Lynn & No Hid’n
Agenda, Tribe Band, Earth Wind & Fire Tribute Band.
One of the things that sets me apart is that I don’t rely solely on my DJ and sound expertise. I am also
known for hosting live radio podcasts, including My Show, Step your Game up, The youth project ,The Heartbeat Conga Hour Live Radio TV Podcast for six
years and PartyMode Live Radio TV Podcast for five years, where we have interviewed guests such as DJ
Kool, Red Grant, filmmaker Randall Lawrence, Blue Magic, Pastor Willie Wilson, Sharon Marley
(daughter of the legendary Bob and Rita Marley), Special Ed, actress Meyon Jacobs, Stinky Dink, actor
Hawthorne James, and many more.
Another thing that sets me apart is my welcoming personality and my humility.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
What makes me and helps me is my life. I’m always pushing the envelope of life. What can I do better, What else can I learn in life. How do I get to the next level.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djric123
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djricrickj and https://www.facebook.com/djricentertainment
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DJRicEntertainment
