KSKA’s Marvell Johnson Passes

Long-time KSKA-Anchorage, Alaska radio personality Marvell Johnson was shot and killed in his home last week. Sadly, his 16-year-old foster son has admitted to the crime and is being charged with murder.

Johnson, hosted Soul to Soul on KSKA-Anchorage for 35 years and was known for his ability to seamlessly bridge new and old R&B music, inject personality and connect with his loyal audience.

Fellow DJ Reggie Ward recalled, “You know, back in the day, people couldn’t wait until Saturday night to call Marvell Johnson to make a request or a dedication. It was so special for a lot of people. And it’s helped so many people. It was a huge deal.” Ward said Soul to Soul helped start urban radio in Alaska. Johnson trained and mentored many of the DJs at KSKA, KNBA, and around Anchorage. “He set the tone. He set the example, not so much in his words but in his actions. He was so professional and he loved what he did. We all basically just took his lead.” He’ll truly be missed.