Al Johnson, lead singer for 1960s rhythm and blues vocal group the Unifics, dies at 65
WASHINGTON — Al Johnson — who was the lead singer of the 1960s rhythm-and-blues vocal group the Unifics and who later produced and arranged recordings by such performers as Roberta Flack, the Whispers, and Jean Carne — died Oct. 26 at Prince George’s Hospital Center in Cheverly, Md. He was 65 and lived in Capitol Heights, Md.
He had a heart attack during treatment for a colon infection, said his son, Al Johnson III.
Known for their elaborate choreography and dapper attire — they always performed wearing white gloves — the Unifics virtually defined the sweet soul vocal group sound in Washington during the late 1960s.
Their songs included ‘‘Court of Love’’
and ‘‘The Beginning of My End,’’ a tear-jerker.
While Mr. Johnson often sang seated on a stool, the other Unifics performed elaborate steps and hand gestures.
The group formed in 1966 at Howard University, where Mr. Johnson studied architecture. The Unifics broke up in 1972.
Alfred Orlando Johnson Jr. was born in Newport News, Va.
The Unifics reformed in 2004 for regional gigs.
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