Real name: Howard William Johnson

American jazz alto saxophonist and clarinetist, nicknamed "Swan"
born January 1, 1908 in Boston, Massachusetts
died December 28, 1991 in New York City, New York.

Although never a prominent figure in jazz, during a career which lasted from the 1930s to the 1980s he worked and recorded with many of well-known jazz musicians of his time, including Benny Carter, Don Redman, Dizzy Gillespie, Bessie Smith, Teddy Hill, and Chick Webb.
He was the youngest brother of banjoist/guitarist Bobby Johnson, guitarist George Johnson and pianist Walter Johnson.
Note: Not to be confused with the post-bop tuba player, Howard Johnson (3).