Fiddlin' Five member Phil Johnson passes away at 87

One of the last surviving members of Kentucky basketball‘s famous “Fiddlin’ Five” has passed away. Phil Johnson, a Lexington native, died peacefully on July 23 at the age of 87.

Johnson was a three-year letterman in basketball for the Wildcats, attending the University of Kentucky from 1955-59 and helping Adolph Rupp’s program win the 1958 NCAA championship. The 6-foot-5, 190-pound forward racked up a total of 208 points and 281 rebounds over 64 games played.

He also lettered two years in baseball at Kentucky.

Johnson was the son of Bert Johnson, a former All-SEC running back for the Wildcats back in the 1930s who went by the nickname Man O’ War during his time in Lexington. Following his successful playing career at Kentucky, he went on to play professional football for six seasons, suiting up for the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Cardinals and the Philadelphia Eagles.

His grandfather, Professor Carl Lampert, is also a historic figure at the University of Kentucky. He was the founder of the school’s music department, the UK Marching Band and wrote the music for the school fight song, “On, On, U of K,” along with the UK Alma Mater.

At the conclusion of Phil Johnson’s playing career, the former national champion coached basketball and taught in the Jefferson County school system in Louisville before working 31 years with Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. He also served on the Board of Directors of Volunteers of America, the Louisville Urban League, Salvation Army and Wayside Christian Mission.

He then retired to Sarasota, FL and became a member of St. James United Methodist Church, serving as an Usher and Greeter Coordinator. Johnson was also a member of United Methodist Men at St. James, then later a member of First United Methodist Church.

A private family service will be held in Sarasota. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the University of Kentucky College of Education.

You can find the link to his obituary here.

Rest in peace to a Wildcat who helped establish the rich tradition and winning culture of Kentucky basketball.