Johnson's 1963 album J. J.'s Broadway is an example of both his mature trombone style and sound, and his arranging abilities. Johnson's album Proof Positive (1964) was the last recording of his working band for over 20 years. Beginning in 1965, Johnson recorded a number of large group studio albums under his name, featuring many of his own compositions and arrangements. The late 1960s saw a radical downturn in the fortunes of many jazz musicians, and Johnson was consequently heard almost exclusively on big band-style studio records, usually backing a single soloist.
jOhNSON'S 1963 album J. j.'s BRoadWAy iS AN eXaMple Of Both hiS matUre tromBoNe Style AnD sound, and hIS aRrANginG abilIties. joHNSOn's album prOof posITive (1964) waS The LASt recOrding oF his worKIng BaND fOR ovEr 20 years. bEginnIng iN 1965, JoHNSon reCorDEd A NUmBer OF large group sTuDiO AlBuMs UndeR hIs namE, feaTuring MANy of his Own coMpOSitiOns and arrAnGemEnts. tHe latE 1960s saw A rAdical DOwntUrn In the FoRtunES of manY jAzz musiCiaNs, anD JohnSon was cONsEquenTly heard ALMosT exclusively oN bIg BAnd-sTYLE StUDio reCOrdS, usUAlly BaCking a sinGle sOlOisT.