TV PERSONALITY, DEMONOLOGIST AND LITERARY PERFORMER CARL JOHNSON
Carl L. Johnson
By Lana J. Brock
Some of you may have heard of Carl L. Johnson. He is a man with many talents. He's known by many as a former T.A.P.S. Ghost Hunter member of the original Ghost Hunters team (that's before all the popularity) and had a chance to exercise his Demonologist role while with them. He and his brother, Keith Johnson, both were involved with the humble beginnings of the televised series of Ghost Hunters, in the first 2 seasons, on the Syfy Channel (then SciFi Channel). Soon after, Carl became independently involved as a Demonologist for the Animal Planet's, "The Haunted". He participated in 5 episodes of that series where he comes in to offer his assistance in the cleansing of homes infested with demonic activity. Carl, in his abundance of talents, has had a fondness for theatrical literary performances of such classics from Edgar Allan Poe and horror fictional writer H.P. Lovecraft, as he is charismatic and has a flare of charm, which all who know him, love about him. He's quite personable and amiable to everyone he comes in contact with. His path of paranormal research began with his home in Scituate, Rhode Island, where he, and some of his family members, experienced paranormal phenomena. This would change his life forever and put him on a most intriguing path. This path brought him in contact with the renowned demonologist couple, Ed and Lorraine Warren, whom would investigate his childhood home.
Here is a little more biographical information provided by Carl himself.
"A little background on my family's history: My father, Leonard James Johnson's grandparents had immigrated to America from Sweden on his father's side and Ireland on his mother's. I am the namesake of my father's father. On my mother's side, I and we are directly descended from Roger Williams who founded Providence, Rhode Island's capital city, in 1636. We also are descended from Captain George Child, who went down with the ship, SS Lexington, in a conflagration which on January 13, 1840 burned the steam-driven paddle ship, a sounder, to water level in Long Island Sound, a disaster which claimed 143 and only four who had been aboard survived, clinging to cotton bales; many of those bales were tossed onto the sea by Captain Child, as his last living action. On the mother's side as well, we are related to renowned horror-fiction writer H.P. Lovecraft, and I organize an annual service of tribute in Providence recognizing the unorthodox literary contributions of my 2nd cousin. During the 1920s, my maternal grandmother, Mildred Ellen Crowell-Willis, would sing and play piano on Sunday afternoons, accompanying her neighbor and family friend, crooner and movie star to be, Nelson Eddy.
Keith and I were born on December 9th, 1954, in what was then called Lying In Hospital, now Woman's and Infant's hospital in Providence, Rhode island, to Beverly Darling Place Johnson and Leonard James Johnson. Our parents weren't aware our mother was carrying twins, since only one heartbeat was heard and this was a time before sonograms and other, modern diagnosing procedures commonly were used. Twin boys were a complete surprise! We were delivered by Caesarian section, so the births were only several minutes apart. I was named after my father's father, Carl Leonard Johnson who was of Swedish heritage. As my parents realized another name was needed, and quickly, an attending nurse suggested they dub one of the twins Keith since that went nicely with Carl. Keith middle name is Edward, after our maternal grandfather Edward Place. Keith Edward became a family name. Not intending to devote less press to her, our sister Cynthia Ellen came along nearly three years later, born on November 12th, 1957."
T.A.P.S - Ghost Hunters
Brothers Keith & Carl Johnson on Syfy Channel's
Ghost Hunters - Seasons 1 & 2
Young Carl L. Johnson
Carl explored Satanism while in his late teens and even became a subject of interest to Ed Warren while lecturing on demonology, in the early 1970's. At that time Carl had merely saw that path as another curiosity of life to explore and was intrigued by the philosophies of Anton LaVey and of ritual magic, such as that which was explored by Aleister Crowley. That phase of his life soon dissipated as he began to look inward for something more individually challenging. While he came from a Christian background and still adheres to some Christian teaching and methodology, he has always kept his mind open to spiritual and scientific possibilities.
Carl L. Johnson
Carl has appeared on several local news channels annually for his memorials and narratives of Horror Fictional author H. P. Lovecraft in Providence, Rhode Island. The commemoration is presented at Ladd Observatory, where the shade of H.P. Lovecraft may still linger. Lovecraft enjoyed the observatory in his younger days while studying astronomy there. Carl not only enjoys putting an ensemble together to participate in the celebration of the author's works but he is also distantly related to Lovecraft. He is in effect, family. Who better to lead the celebration of the authors greatest contributions to horror writing, then that of family?
There was an evening when Carl's maternal grandmother, Mildred Crowell Willis, was in the same room as both the eminent magician and escape artist Harry Houdini, birth name Erich Weiss (born March 24 1874, died October 31, 1926) and renowned horror-fantasy writer H. P. Lovecraft (born August 20, 1890, died March 15, 1937). Houdini was making an appearance at the Strand theater in Providence, Rhode island. Mildred was in the audience. Houdini had initiated some audience participation, and Mildred put some question to him. This occurred sometime in autumn 1926, probably October within a month of Houdini's death; perhaps the precise date could be researched. Howard Phillips Lovecraft was an usher in the theater. That was the night that Lovecraft met Houdini, and the magician invited Lovecraft to meet him in New York. Lovecraft would ghost-write a book for Houdini.
Here are some of Carl's own poetic creations in memory to H.P. Lovecraft and his writing.
Will You Answer?
(By Carl L. Johnson)
Howard, gone these many years;
Knew we not your Lurking Fears!
Once you strode this Ancient Hill; *
Does your essence move here, still?
Your pen told of worlds forbidden,
Horrors from dimensions hidden!
Poe and Bierce and Dunsany,
Were the lamps that lit your way.
As the Master you're now hailed;
Sadly, you believed you'd failed.
Shallow critics soon forget;
You've transcended all regret!
Meager means, bleak in starkness:
A "The Whisperer in Darkness."**
Madness, like a jealous brother,
Struck your father, then your mother.
Solitude came with dear cost:
Love you found and love you lost.
Self-contained within your city,
You'd disdain our latent pity!
Come what storm Fortuna hurled,
Still your Flag of Hope unfurled. ***
Poet's soul and Lord of Fright,
Should we meet in dream's free flight,
Carry me through sable skies;
Set me where your body lies!
Freed are you from life's brief toil,
Sheltered by that cooling soil.
If I call with verse and rhyme,
Will you answer, one last time?
*"The Whisperer In Darkness" is the title of story by H.P. Lovecraft.)
** (H.P. Lovecraft was fond of referring in his stories and personal correspondences to Providence's College Hill as, "the Ancient Hill.")
*** (This line alludes to the Rhode Island Flag of Hope. Throughout his life, H.P. Lovecraft remained strongly attached to his native state and city.}
In Shadow Cast
(By Carl L. Johnson)
In shadow cast by obelisk bearing cross and crown,
Lies the Caller of C'thulhu, an author of renown.
Those nightmare tales he wove for us perpetuate his fame,
So here we gather to behold that stone which bears his name!
It wasn't while he walked this earth he knew such grand acclaim.
The efforts of a worthy few blew embers into flame!
We owe a debt to H.P.L.; his losses are our gain,
And after we depart this site, his essence shall remain.
His hold on life relinquish-ed, he sleeps as we all must.
A valiant soul extinguish-ed, consigned to grave and dust.
That soul lives on in treasures that he left for you and me:
A wealth of lore bequeathed to us, is Lovecraft's legacy!
We plumb his strange imaginings; some see what they imply.
He dared embrace a simple truth which fainter hearts deny:
The vilest of monstrosities are those we often find,
Lurking through dark labyrinths within the human mind!
I stand upon those steps he climbed, to gaze at distance stars.
A sense of wonder filled his thoughts, and wonder now fills ours'.
His vision touched the firmament, as thoughtfully he said,
"In such an unknown Universe, there may be much to dread!"
Shed not a tear at Howard's grave, for he is ever home.
His spirit is not wandering; what need for it to roam?
No strife nor strain disturbs his rest, not now nor ever will.
In shadow cast by obelisk, our ne'r met friend lies still.
By Carl L. Johnson
{The character of Brown Jenkin is a grotesque witch's familiar
that appears the H. P. Lovecraft story, "Dreams In The Witch House".}
Brown Jenkin is a loathsome creature,
A spawn of conjure, a disgrace,
With one distinctive, fearsome feature:
This rat who bears a human face!
Brown Jenkin with your tail reptilious,
And your fang-strewn, leering grin..
Brown Jenkin is a loathsome creature,
A spawn of conjure, a disgrace,
With one distinctive, fearsome feature:
This rat who bears a human face!
Brown Jenkin with your tail reptilious,
And your fang-strewn, leering grin...
One look at you can make me bilious;
Your existence is a sin!
You cannot be God's creation,
Neither rodent, nor a man...
Filthy, little aberration,
Leaving hand prints where you ran!
One look at you can make me bilious;
Your existence is a sin!
You cannot be God's creation,
Neither rodent, nor a man...
Filthy, little aberration,
Leaving hand prints where you ran!
When I contemplate your being,
I can only stare, aghast.
I scarce believe what I am seeing,
As I glimpse you scurrying past!
Brown Jenkin, while I gaze upon you,
All my reasoning, I forsake.
Who can know just where you'll crawl to,
A trail of rat-turds in your wake?
Still, Brown Jenkin, we salute you,
For the nightmares you inspire,
Though most would prefer to shoot you,
And toss your carcass on the fire!
Carl L. Johnson at the Providence Library before his Edgar Allan Poe narrative performance.
Carl became fascinated with the works of Edgar Allan Poe early in his life and would become intent on expressing his adoration for Poe's work. The literary genius of Poe's dark fiction and poetry tugged at his soul. This led to Carl's adventure in assembling a team of talented narrators of Poe's works to perform at venues across Rhode Island. Some of his favorites are "Annabel Lee" and "The Raven".
Here is an example of Carl's balladry dedicated to Edgar Allan Poe.
Here is an example of Carl's balladry dedicated to Edgar Allan Poe.
TOAST TO EDGAR ALLAN POE
By Carl L. Johnson
When the air is chill;
The land grown still
On the ground a pall of snow.
Let us raise a toast
To the wayward ghost
Of Edgar Allan Poe.
While the city sleeps
There's a soul who weeps
And perhaps no one will know;
If we gather 'round
You may hear the sound
Of Edgar Allan Poe.
Nightmarish tales,
Madness assails,
Mystery's madness prevailing...
Look beyond the veil
When the moon is pale
To peer through the lamp light's glow.
See him pining there
For a lady fair;
He's Edgar Allan Poe!
Carl performing for the New England Ghost Stories & Legends
Carl, along with other paranormal professionals and writers, put on a captivating performance and amazed audiences with stories and legends from New England. The New England Ghost Stories & Legends cast performed to audiences twice in Rhode Island. The cast consisted of Carl L. Johnson, Jeff Belanger, Andrew Lake, Frank Grace and Tim Weisberg. Carl delivered chilling stories about New England Legends. The first is called "Emily's Bridge", the second "The Vampyre Germ" and the third is called "The Haunting of Old Slater Mill".
Awards
Carl with employer Lori Urso, after he accepted the Best of Rhode Island Award for Tour Guide. Carl is on the staff at Slater Mill as senior tour guide, program developer of the ghost tours and works hard to service, educate, interpret and entertain anyone who dons the doors of the historical landmark of Slater Mill.
Ghost Tours
Carl out in the coolness of night, leading a group of paranormal enthusiasts and lovers of ghost stories on one of the popular ghost tours at Slater Mill. He leads guests on a tour of 3 buildings: Slater's Mill, the Wilkinson Mill, and the Sylvanus Brown House where they conduct a paranormal investigation. They may perchance to communicate with a spirit by Carl's use of dowsing rods or an open seance. Carl provides ghost stories which could chill the soul and leave one scrambling to keep company with others.
During the course of a ghost tour Carl leads in describing stories about the lesser known history and lore of the Blackstone River and Slater Mill. This is a poem he authored and reads outside the mill:
NETHER RIVER
By Carl L.Johnson
Looking down the Blackstone River
Cause me to quake and shiver.
When I think it might deliver
Those sad souls whose lives were claimed.
Ceaselessly, I see it flowing
With the chill wind softly blowing
And I pause here never knowing
Of the lost ones left unnamed
Moonlight on the water gleaming;
Carried by the river's streaming;
Spirits flown that now are dreaming
Of this River never tamed.
The Birdman
Before there was ever a movie called, "The Birdman" Carl had reached deep inside his soul and gripped a hold of the graceful solemn and lonely character known as "The Birdman" or also called, "The Corvus". Carl bears his soul in performance of the grieving Bird Man at the Water Fire festivals of Providence, Rhode Island year round. He can be heard singing music, quoting poetry, narrating Poe's the Raven or Annabel Lee. While in his solitude and celebrating the night by the water's flame lit braziers, Carl's Birdman hands black feathers to passerby's and lends charisma to the city's celebration.
DARK EVENINGS
By Carl L. Johnson
(Composed and sung by Carl for WaterFire Providence.)
(Composed and sung by Carl for WaterFire Providence.)
Dark evenings fall,
Descending gentle pall,
Softly to touch us all...
Hearken the nightwing's call.
Faint shadows cast,
By moonlight cannot last.
Swiftly the stars turn past,
Through skies so cold and vast.
My lips grown black,
From kisses that must die there...
Should love come back,
How will I know why or where?
By firelight bright,
We gather in the night.
Luna shines gold, then white,
Arcing in endless flight!
By Carl L. Johnson
(Performed for Water Fire Providence.)
On the fortnight, when the braziers burn bright,
Flies the Birdman known as Corvus.
This lone renegade scorns the dull and afraid,
Those fearful mistrustful of Corvus.
Corvus: Dread Bird of Ill Omen is he!
Corvus: What manner of man can this be?
Strange is the sight, when this Birdman takes flight,
Upon the wings of defiance...
With bold escapades, all pursuit he evades,
Refusing to yield in compliance!
Corvus: Dread Bird of Ill Omen is he!
Corvus: What manner of man can this be?
Wraith-like and spare, in the firelight's glare,
It's ne'er his intention to scare you...
Yet peer through the haze, and you might meet his gaze;
In truth there aren't many who dare to!
Corvus: Dread Bird of Ill Omen is he!
Corvus: What manner of man can this be?
Bow to the norm, daring but to conform,
And the friends you win condone you...
Yet dare stand apart, with a flame in your heart,
And no one can say that they own you!
Corvus: Dread Bird of Ill Omen is he!
Corvus: What manner of man can this be?
Corvus! Corvus! Corvus!
Lectures
Carl has provided Lectures on Demonology and Paranormal phenomena. This photo is of Carl Johnson lecturing at the Haunted Providence Conference in 2014 where he provided a glimpse into what the paranormal field consists of today.
Carl L. Johnson enjoying his Steam Punk costume at the costume ball following the Haunted Providence Conference. Here he danced with me, in my Renaissance gown, to the song called, "Bizarre Love Triangle".
Carl photographed while horse riding out in the wilderness.
Carl at Slater Mill. Sometimes work and play mix together conveniently, as Carl actively takes part, not only as a tour guide at the mill, but as a professional ghost hunter, where he can show people a part of the past and introduce them to the many possible spirits which still may reside there.
Carl outside a holding crypt at a hidden cemetery in Scituate, Rhode Island. The darkness in the door way is deep and ominous. This was taken in January 2015. Currently, Carl has worked on a few television projects and is co-authoring a book with me, his colleague and partner. He looks to complete "Shadow Realms: The Demonology Handbook" before the close of this year (2016) and will be venturing for the open conference circuit. So be looking for him and his future plans to take him to a sight near you, whether it be lecturing on the paranormal, book signing, ghost tours or literary performances and commemorations.
Me with my love and my life partner Carl L. Johnson in November 2014.
A poem by Carl for me.
WAITING
(By Carl L. Johnson for Lana J. Brock, Monday, June 29, 2015. )
Waiting for a sign, from the starry skies above,
Hear as the night sings to Lana, who's blessed me with her love!
Is she now parted from me, so distant as she seems?
My Lana: that beauteous lady, I still hold in my dreams.
She's revealed to me her secrets, bright hopes and hidden fears;
She's filled my heart with laughter; with her hair she's dried my tears.
Hypnotic eyes of grey-circled jade...
Oh Lana, let me see them shine!
Your blushing lips, through years cannot fade...
Oh Lana, do press yours' to mine!
Now I await the joyful day, when next I can embrace,
My lovely, precious Lana Jan, my love, my saving grace.
Lana Brock and Carl L. Johnson
This was taken under a tree at Highland Park in Kokomo, Indiana April 2016, just after he and I performed a couple of songs on the covered Vermont Bridge.
This is dedicated to my soul mate, love and best friend, Carl L. Johnson. Love Lana
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