Terry “Buzzy” Johnson, the legendary R&B singer and arranger whose work with The Flamingos helped define the doo-wop sound of the late 1950s, died on October 8. He was 86 years old.
Johnson’s death was announced by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on social media platform X. No cause of death has been reported for the Baltimore native who became one of the most influential figures in doo-wop history.
The Hall of Fame described Johnson and his fellow Flamingos as artists who took listeners higher with their sublime harmonies and impeccable arrangements. The organization noted that with Johnson joining as tenor and lead vocalist, guitarist and arranger in 1958, The Flamingos crafted a sophisticated sound like no other vocal group.
Johnson’s most enduring contribution to music history came through his arrangement and co-production of “I Only Have Eyes for You” in 1959. The song, originally written for the 1934 musical “Dames,” became The Flamingos’ signature hit under Johnson’s creative direction. His arrangement transformed the standard into what many consider the definitive version, earning a spot at number 158 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time when first published in 2004.
The creation of this masterpiece was not without initial resistance. According to a 2020 interview, when Johnson first presented his arrangement to the group and record executives, the reception was lukewarm. George Goldner, president of End Records at the time, was reportedly upset with Johnson’s unconventional approach. However, when radio DJs heard the album, they unanimously chose “I Only Have Eyes for You” over the intended single “Goodnight Sweetheart.”
Johnson’s musical journey began in his teenage years in Baltimore, where he formed a group called The Whispers in 1954. The group recorded for Gotham Records out of Philadelphia, but it was his association with The Flamingos that would secure his place in music history. He joined the established group in 1956, bringing with him a unique musical perspective shaped by his upbringing.
Unlike many of his R&B contemporaries, Johnson was raised on a diverse musical diet that included white artists like the Everly Brothers, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra. This eclectic background influenced his approach to The Flamingos’ sound, initially surprising his bandmates but ultimately contributing to their distinctive style that appealed to broader audiences.
Following his success with The Flamingos, Johnson’s career took another significant turn in the 1960s when Smokey Robinson recruited him to join the staff at Motown. During his 10-year partnership with Robinson, Johnson worked with legendary acts including the Temptations, the Four Tops, the Supremes, Martha & the Vandellas, and Edwin Starr.
The Flamingos were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, with “I Only Have Eyes for You” also earning induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2003. The song’s enduring appeal has transcended generations, with recent data showing it has been used over 150,000 times on TikTok and streamed more than 100 million times on Spotify.
After The Flamingos’ hit-making years ended, Johnson retained the trademark for the group’s name and continued touring with his version of The Flamingos well into the 21st century. As recently as 2020, at age 81, he was still performing and had recorded a new version of “I Only Have Eyes for You” in Nashville.
During a 2020 interview, Johnson reflected on his enduring hit, stating that “love never dies, love never grows old.” He emphasized that the song’s timeless appeal stemmed from its universal theme, noting that people continue to fall in love regardless of generation, and music always plays an important role in that experience.
Johnson’s death adds to what has been described as a heartbreaking year for the R&B world, with the music community losing several legendary performers throughout 2025. His contributions to both The Flamingos’ legacy and the broader landscape of American popular music have left an indelible mark that continues to influence new generations of artists and listeners.
The song that Johnson helped create continues to find new audiences, appearing in films, television shows, and countless romantic moments across decades. Its ethereal arrangement and haunting vocal harmonies remain as compelling today as they were when first recorded over 65 years ago, ensuring that Johnson’s artistic vision will endure far beyond his lifetime.
