John 'Jaamac’ Johnson is an Associate Professor Emeritus at Indiana University Bloomington of Somali folklore and poetry. He was born in Abilene, Texas on March 14, 1942. During his tenure in Somalia, Johnson forged connections with scholars like Professor B. W. Andrzejewski from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), leading him to pursue graduate studies. He has written two books on Somali poetry and music, including Somalia in Word and Image and Heellooy Heelleellooy.