Bev Johnson was born, Beverly Elaine Johnson in Memphis, Tennessee to the parents of the late William Van Johnson and Julia Atlas Danner Johnson. A 1970 graduate of Ann Arbor Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Bev received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Rust College in English Literature 1975, and Masters of Science Degree in Educational/Media Technology in 1979 from Jackson State University. In 2003 Bev received a certification degree in Substance Abuse Counseling from Southwest Tennessee Community College and a certification in Drug Court Counseling from the Drug Institute.

Bev’s broadcasting journey began in 1976 at WJSU Radio which eventually lead her to WOKJ, WJMI, and WKXI Radio stations in Jackson, Mississippi working as disc jockey, programming assistant, public affairs director, and news director. In 1981 the journey continued to Memphis working at WLOK, WMQM, WWEE/WLVS, and now the legendary WDIA Radio where she has been employed for 31 years, and continues to host “The Bev Johnson Show”, in its 27th year. Bev has been in the radio business for 38 years.

Community minded, Bev continues to work her motto through community service. A former board member of The Rock N Soul Museum, Memphis Area Planned Parenthood, and The National Black Programmers Coalition. A former mentor for the Gordon Elementary School girl’s program, chairperson for the NAACP’s Annual Radiothon, and auctioneer for WKNO Television’s Action Auction and the Memphis Chapter Coalition of 100 Black Women. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and a chartered member of the Shelby County (TN)

Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, where she served as 2nd Vice President for two years.

Awards include 1989,1991,1992, and the 1996 News/Public Affairs Director NBPC, the UNCF Outstanding Alumnus Award 1996, National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Award Personality of the Year Nominee 1993,1994, and 1995. 1996 Billboard Personality of the Year. She has been honored by the Tennessee General Assembly House of Representatives, Memphis City Council, and the U.S. House of Representative.

An instructor at Southwest Tennessee Community College for 24 years, as well as a member of the Mt. Pisgah C.M.E. Church and Co-collaborator of Heart 2 Heart Counseling Services.

Bev’s motto, “As You Treat Yourself, You Will Treat Others”.