Mr. Johnson.

July 16, 1926.

Mr. Griffin.

What is your regular occupation?

Mr. Johnson.

I am a musician; bandleader.

Mr. Griffin.

How long have you been a bandleader?

Mr. Johnson.

Since, well, I have been a professional bandleader since 1950.

Mr. Griffin.

Did you have occasion to work for Jack Ruby?

Mr. Johnson.

Yes.

Mr. Griffin.

Where did you work for him?

Mr. Johnson.

Vegas Club.

Mr. Griffin.

When did you start working for him?

Mr. Johnson.

I don't remember the exact month. I believe it was March 1956--1957, that is when it was.

Mr. Griffin.

Did you work continuously for him from that time on?

Mr. Johnson.

Yes.

Mr. Griffin.

How many people were in your band?

Mr. Johnson.

Five, including myself.

Mr. Griffin.

What kind of music did you provide?

Mr. Johnson.

Variety of music. We have a very--well, I would say we played progressive jazz, rock and roll, and ballads.

Mr. Griffin.

Now you eventually left Ruby's employment, didn't you?

Mr. Johnson.

Yes.

Mr. Griffin.

When was that?

Mr. Johnson.

Second of November of last year.

Mr. Griffin.

You say that date with a great deal of conviction. Is that a date you are sure of?

Mr. Johnson.

Yes.

Mr. Griffin.

How did you happen to leave Ruby?

Mr. Johnson.

Well, I Just wanted to change, just wanted to change places. I had been there so long, and a fellow came and talked to me about playing in another club, and I just decided I felt the change would be good for my group and myself.

Mr. Griffin.

Did you take your whole group with you?

Mr. Johnson.

Yes.

Mr. Griffin.

Were there any of the members of the band who stayed on with Ruby?

Mr. Johnson.

Well, the piano player, Leonard Wood, stayed.

Mr. Griffin.

How did that happen?

Mr. Johnson.

Well, he felt that he could continue to stay there and keep the place going. I had a pretty good following there--but I understand it didn't work out too well.

Mr. Griffin.

What was Jack's reaction to your leaving the Vegas Club?

Mr. Johnson.

Well, actually, Jack hadn't been at the Vegas Club. He was downtown here, you know, and, well, he was kind of hurt. He didn't like it too well, but I had no contract at the club.

Mr. Griffin.

Did he feel that your band had been stolen from him?

Mr. Johnson.

Well, I don't think so, because this was my decision.

Mr. Griffin.

Did he ever talk to you about his attitude toward your leaving?

Mr. Johnson.

Yes.

Mr. Griffin.

What did he say to you that you recall?

Mr. Johnson.

Well, he wanted to know if I was leaving him for good, and if there would be a possibility, if anything else would come up in the future, would I be interested in coming back with him.

Mr. Griffin.

What did you tell him?

Mr. Johnson.

I told him if it would be to the benefit of my group, I would be glad to, but I had a family to support and further, I have to look out for things.

Mr. Griffin.

Were you able to get more money at this new club?

Mr. Johnson.

Yes; more consideration also.

Mr. Griffin.

What was the name of the club?

Mr. Johnson.

Castaway Club.

Mr. Griffin.

Are you playing there now?

Mr. Johnson.

I am at Louann's now.