R.I.P. Wes 'Party' Johnson

Wes Johnson

All ACCESS is sad to report that one time DEF JAM VP and record industry legend WES "PARTY" JOHNSON has passed.  Suffering from cancer, he transitioned yesterday in a FLORIDA hospital surrounded by family.  There is no word yet on funeral or memorial arrangements.  

JOHNSON was instrumental in the careers of many record industry stalwarts, including ATLANTIC RECORDS Chairman/COO JULIE GREENWALD, ATLANTIC RECORDS Pres/Black Music MICHAEL KYSER and KEVIN LILES, a partner in LYOR COHEN's new "300" content company.

LILES told ALL ACCESS, "WES taught me when you meet people it's never about their job titles; it's about them.  At the time I met him I was Regional Manager; he made sure I met everybody.  WES took me at 23 years old and sent me to the West Coast to open up the our DEF JAM office out there.  I have never accepted any award I have ever won as a promotions person; I always accepted on behalf of WES JOHNSON."

Former DEF JAM record exec. JOHNNIE WALKER expressed to All ACCESS, "He was a teacher and a mentor.  He introduced me to the record business.  WES was a party at the office, at dinner, or where he was.  He was always smiling and encouraging."

Record executive MICHAEL JOHNSON told ALL ACCESS, "He was my mentor and taught me a lot.  I grew as a man because of WES.  He was the most optimistic person I've ever known.  I will miss my friend."

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