Obituary of David Ray Johnson

The Obituary of

David Ray Johnson-Keys

a.k.a. David Keys

David Ray Johnson, born on July 21, 1954, in Denver, CO and was the third child of Rev. El’Ray and Delma Janice Warfield-Johnson. 

David’s early childhood years were spent in Denver, where he attended Harrington Elementary School for several years and for a short time,  attended a Catholic School.   In 1962, his family traveled back and forth from Denver to Colorado Springs when his father accepted a pastorship at Friendship Baptist Church. When David was 12 years old, he moved with his mother and siblings to Chicago, Il and in 1972, the family moved once more to Kalamazoo, MI where their mother accepted a position with a community-based program. 

At the age of 17, David decided to strike out on his own after attending a community college where he excelled academically to prove to his mother that he was capable of being independent and she gave him her blessing to move on his own.  David moved south to Texas and began touring with various bands including Rufus/Chaka Khan, The Gentleman, and many others. While living in Austin, TX, he established and managed a recording studio where he became immersed in Austin’s diversified music scene. In addition to the music studio, he extended his talent to writing about it and published “Feature Magazine” that focused on various genres of music and trendy hot spot entertainment venues that were based in Austin. 

In 1996, David moved to the Pacific Northwest to Tacoma, Washington where other members of his family had located. He studied and practiced different jazz theories, self-growth philosophies and spiritual-self developments. It was during this time that he chose the stage name “David Keys.” The David Keys Trio or Quartet became synonymous with professional straight-ahead jazz, and original improvisations, a guaranteed evening of good feeling, good sounding, good time that made people want to dance. During this time, David produced one CD in 2000 titled: “My Shiny New Life”. 

In 2003, David continued his writing talent by publishing the “Northwest Jazz Profile Magazine” a lifestyle entertainment magazine with an emphasis on jazz. This magazine provided a communication resource where musicians and artists could promote themselves and businesses could introduce themselves to the Puget Sound, Canada and Oregon areas. It was a great platform for both artists and businesses that amassed a monthly circulation of 20,000 people. It was free to the public and could be found in clothing and jewelry stores, antique shops, restaurants, cafes, and bookstores.

One of his business highlights while operating Northwest Jazz Profile Magazine was to go to the IAJE (International Association of Jazz Education) Conference in Manhattan of New York, in 2007 along with his siblings, marketing manager, Rana Dean Johnson and Office Assistant, Heday Murphy.  Together, the three siblings distributed some 5,000 copies of current issues at the conference and focused a spotlight on the Seattle/Pugent Sound area to an international platform. This was an incredible time for profiling jazz artists like the illustrious Nancy Wilson and many more. Seattle was one the cities being considered to host the IAJE Conference for 2008. All such possibilities were dismissed as the 2007 conference turned out to be the last conference after a 40-year run.  

David retired from publishing the magazine and performing professionally in 2012,  after he archived a few piano originals onto his computerized piano. His retirement provided time for him to indulge in his other creative passions of painting that included oils and acrylic scenes and abstracts, and lastly, portraits. He was also able to focus on self-growth/development, spiritual pursuits, and explorations. 

On February 11, 2021, David Keys joined the members of his family that have transitioned to their spiritual life including his mother, father and grandparents; aunts and uncles, and younger cousins Kwasi Warfield, Rev. Gordon Humphrey Jr. and Winston Johnson. He is survived by a brother: Rana Dean Johnson Sr. and sisters: DaVeena, Nedra, and Carita. David is also survived by nieces: Ginaya Michelle Hampton, Jaclynn Johnson, Ebony Boreaux, Kayla White, Janeene White and Maya Joy Johnson and nephews: David Michael Johnson, Andre Hampton, Rana Dean Jr., and great-nieces: Naleah, Amira, Jaylynn, Anaiya and great-nephew Johnathan.. He is survived by an incredible family network of cousins, colleagues in the music industry and friends and acquaintances he influenced throughout his lifetime. 

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful teams of Dr. Verrilli and Dr. David Zhang who provided personal and professional services with sincere dedication to David’s care.  Additional thanks to: The Emergency Room Dept., ICU, and fourth floor medical staff at St. Joseph’s Medical Center.  We would also like to thank the awesome ambulance team; and All Ways Caring Staff and Caregivers. 

In lieu of flowers the family has opened an account at Bank of America, named the David Keys Project to help establish the preservation of his artwork, music and written materials. The family is grateful to all who choose to donate to the project to sustain his fine art contributions for generations to come.