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Johnny and Jazzbo: A True Story
This compelling and powerful true story is about two young southern men of opposite color faced with an evil that has no color other than the blood shed stains left behind by hate and greed. Raised in the backwoods of Norhtwest Florida, their untamed determination to escape poverty brings them together on a journey of self-discovery.
It was 1962 when twenty-eight-year-old Dr. Johnny Savage moved to Atlanta, during one of the most turbulent times in the history of Georgia. He builds a successful dental practice, becomes a powerful political figure, and hires Otis Ikner, a twenty-six-year-old Black man as a houseboy. When Johnny discovers that Otis' aspirations to become successful were the same as his, but society had not allowed it, Johnny takes matters into his own hands and secretly forges a high-school diploma to help Otis Ikner become America's first Black male dental hygienist. In Johnny's circle, Otis gains financial and social opportunities as he climbs the ladder to succes.
But when overtly racists social and political colleagues blackball Johnny's career and threatens his and Otis' lives, they encounter threats from unsavory characters and even Klansmen. In one of many incidences, Johnny's closest friend's lake house is burned to the ground after Otis is invited to waterski on a "Whites only" lake. On another occasion, fingers point to Otis after a local murder takes place, leaving them scathed but no defeated.
With wit, fortitude, cunning humor, and compassion, Johnny and Otis set out to right the wrongs in their lives no matter what the cost. Over three decades, these two mavericks experience life on every level beating the odds when it comes to business, politics, sex, love, and marriages before going back to their roots where the true meaning of friendship, success, wealth, and happiness awaited their return home. Side-splittingly funny at times and heart wrenching at others, this story of historical events is an inspiring lesson on forgiveness, hope, and a testament to what's possible with grace, kindness and courage.
It was 1962 when twenty-eight-year-old Dr. Johnny Savage moved to Atlanta, during one of the most turbulent times in the history of Georgia. He builds a successful dental practice, becomes a powerful political figure, and hires Otis Ikner, a twenty-six-year-old Black man as a houseboy. When Johnny discovers that Otis' aspirations to become successful were the same as his, but society had not allowed it, Johnny takes matters into his own hands and secretly forges a high-school diploma to help Otis Ikner become America's first Black male dental hygienist. In Johnny's circle, Otis gains financial and social opportunities as he climbs the ladder to succes.
But when overtly racists social and political colleagues blackball Johnny's career and threatens his and Otis' lives, they encounter threats from unsavory characters and even Klansmen. In one of many incidences, Johnny's closest friend's lake house is burned to the ground after Otis is invited to waterski on a "Whites only" lake. On another occasion, fingers point to Otis after a local murder takes place, leaving them scathed but no defeated.
With wit, fortitude, cunning humor, and compassion, Johnny and Otis set out to right the wrongs in their lives no matter what the cost. Over three decades, these two mavericks experience life on every level beating the odds when it comes to business, politics, sex, love, and marriages before going back to their roots where the true meaning of friendship, success, wealth, and happiness awaited their return home. Side-splittingly funny at times and heart wrenching at others, this story of historical events is an inspiring lesson on forgiveness, hope, and a testament to what's possible with grace, kindness and courage.
- GenresNonfiction
662 pages, Hardcover
First published December 30, 2021
7 people are currently reading
5797 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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August 22, 2024I did not actually read this book although I do plan on reading as soon as I am able. My son Patrick has an old Kindle of mine and since it is registered to me, it popped up that I finished it when he is actually the person who read it. He did thoroughly enjoy reading Johnny and Jazzbo and plans to leave a 5 star review on Amazon. He met Ms. Hardy spending Sunday afternoons on the Choctawhatchee River and was very interested in reading this book about Dr. Savage and his very rich background. It is my understanding that Kathryn Hardy has another book is in the works that also sounds like it will be a book to look forward to.
July 1, 2022
I suppose if one lives long enough, paths converge and allow the most interesting episodes of serendipity. This book I am about to read is one of those moments. I happened to see in the Washington County News the article Carol Wyatt wrote introducing this book, "Johnny and Jazzbo" about Dr. Johnny Savage and his friend Otis Ikner; and I wondered if perhaps Johnny had met my father on his way to Antarctica aboard the USS Glacier, but thought for sure (and through Ancestry . com confirmed with documentation that Dr Savage went to dental school with my husband's father, Dr. W. D. Butler "Bill"! and not only that, was on the same military roll when they signed up for the US Navy in 1959! I ordered the book and my daughter Kim was able to get Dr. Savage's signature at the signing party on this book to give to her grandpa. So, I am was glad to be diving into this book for so many reasons.
I was not disappointed. The author definitely did her homework and she managed to make me feel as if I was right there with a birdseye view alongside Johnny as he traveled the turbulence of the oceans and made friends with fellow sailors and explorers, making history on the way. As my father had been on Operation Deepfreeze I, it was especially interesting to me to hear the again from Johnny's perspective how it was living and surviving on the Ice. Johnny took liberties that would have put my father in hot water with his commanders, but that shenanigans is what makes getting to know Dr Savage so much fun.
I do not want to tell you the whole story, but Johnny Savage went on to build a successful dental practice in Atlanta and earned his law degree from Emory, which he used to run for public office and served in the legislature in a tempestuous time of the south! Johnny imported a young man, Otis Ikner (whom I have also met, as he retired here in my home county) from Escambia County to work for him, and in this unlikely and long and amazing relationship, I learned so much history from their perspectives that although I once lived in Atlanta for more than 20 years, I can say I revisited from a very different angle!
These two gentleman made headlines and friendships and relationships together, at times taking chances that put me on the edge of my seat.
I experienced every emotion that I can think of, while on this wild ride through time, and I gained a healthy respect and love for both of these gentleman, but not without tears and anger and a shaking, as the author managed to put you right into the thick of the attitudes that prevailed during the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s...and Atlanta was a dangerous place to be! but with courage and laughs and passion and grace these two men succeeded to reach their dreams and much more.
This book hit so many personal notes, that I will read it again and again, but I recommend this book to students of history who want to know the real south and how men lived. And I commend Johnny for allowing the transparency that this book required to be so close to his heart. I am thankful for this author, Kathryn, and her painterly wisdom in building the deep relationships of these men and the environments that they overcame and her understanding of just what went into achieving their legacies.
I am quite sure my father-in-law will enjoy this book, and I foresee another reunion, most likely at the Ocean Club, in the very near future.
RIP Otis Ikner! You were one in a million!
I was not disappointed. The author definitely did her homework and she managed to make me feel as if I was right there with a birdseye view alongside Johnny as he traveled the turbulence of the oceans and made friends with fellow sailors and explorers, making history on the way. As my father had been on Operation Deepfreeze I, it was especially interesting to me to hear the again from Johnny's perspective how it was living and surviving on the Ice. Johnny took liberties that would have put my father in hot water with his commanders, but that shenanigans is what makes getting to know Dr Savage so much fun.
I do not want to tell you the whole story, but Johnny Savage went on to build a successful dental practice in Atlanta and earned his law degree from Emory, which he used to run for public office and served in the legislature in a tempestuous time of the south! Johnny imported a young man, Otis Ikner (whom I have also met, as he retired here in my home county) from Escambia County to work for him, and in this unlikely and long and amazing relationship, I learned so much history from their perspectives that although I once lived in Atlanta for more than 20 years, I can say I revisited from a very different angle!
These two gentleman made headlines and friendships and relationships together, at times taking chances that put me on the edge of my seat.
I experienced every emotion that I can think of, while on this wild ride through time, and I gained a healthy respect and love for both of these gentleman, but not without tears and anger and a shaking, as the author managed to put you right into the thick of the attitudes that prevailed during the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s...and Atlanta was a dangerous place to be! but with courage and laughs and passion and grace these two men succeeded to reach their dreams and much more.
This book hit so many personal notes, that I will read it again and again, but I recommend this book to students of history who want to know the real south and how men lived. And I commend Johnny for allowing the transparency that this book required to be so close to his heart. I am thankful for this author, Kathryn, and her painterly wisdom in building the deep relationships of these men and the environments that they overcame and her understanding of just what went into achieving their legacies.
I am quite sure my father-in-law will enjoy this book, and I foresee another reunion, most likely at the Ocean Club, in the very near future.
RIP Otis Ikner! You were one in a million!
April 18, 2023
One Fantastic Book
I have not read a book this interesting, compelling and delightful in a very long time. I was initially intimidated by the length but Kathryn Hardy caught my attention on the very first page and held it until the very end. It's one of those books that you can't put down yet you are sorry when you've finished it because you have become so immersed in the story and the lives of the characters. Mrs. Hardy is a masterful storyteller and I hope she will write another novel soon. I would give this book more than five stars if I could! I highly recommend this wonderful book!
I have not read a book this interesting, compelling and delightful in a very long time. I was initially intimidated by the length but Kathryn Hardy caught my attention on the very first page and held it until the very end. It's one of those books that you can't put down yet you are sorry when you've finished it because you have become so immersed in the story and the lives of the characters. Mrs. Hardy is a masterful storyteller and I hope she will write another novel soon. I would give this book more than five stars if I could! I highly recommend this wonderful book!
February 6, 2025
I can honestly say that this book and these people are absolute gems, while going on this ride through time with Johnny and Otis, I found myself laughing and crying and never allowing myself to peek at the photos in the back until I was finished reading the whole thing. While I pictured them a bit differently I appreciate the writers vision while having my own and then seeing real life photographs; it was all a much more enjoyable experience seeing as how my perspective and perception changed throughout the time periods.
While I am not *cautiously* into history nor politics I devoured this book as if it were the last book on earth to read.
The fact that my copy is inscribed to me and signed by the author makes this story and this book all the more special to me.
While I am not *cautiously* into history nor politics I devoured this book as if it were the last book on earth to read.
The fact that my copy is inscribed to me and signed by the author makes this story and this book all the more special to me.
August 9, 2023
Recommended to me by someone who has met the main character. Kind of a long book, slow in parts, but it has lots of local flavor for those of us living in Northwest Florida. Johnny has had quite a life!
September 1, 2025
Great heart warming story
June 24, 2024
Back to The Bruce Cafe
My bride has visited Dr Savage may times over the years. I have been blessed to tag along and see Dr Savage work his dental miracles. He has recently retired from dental work but he will enjoy Ebro and the river as long as he breathes.
My bride has visited Dr Savage may times over the years. I have been blessed to tag along and see Dr Savage work his dental miracles. He has recently retired from dental work but he will enjoy Ebro and the river as long as he breathes.
February 27, 2026
Excellent read…and a Book Club Dream Experience
Johnny and Jazzbo is an extraordinary account of a life boldly and beautifully lived. This is the story of a man who looked bigotry in the face and refused to accept it, who spent a lifetime working quietly and persistently to do good for others. His courage, integrity, and sense of purpose shine through every chapter.
The book is meticulously researched and written with the pacing and richness of a novel. The scenes are so vividly drawn that you feel present in the room, on the ship, in the moments that shaped history and character alike. It is a compelling read — inspiring, deeply human, and filled with adventure, conviction, and heart.
After reading the book, we decided to visit the Choctaw Lodge Bed & Breakfast Retreat in Bruce, Florida, operated by the author, Kathryn Hardy, and her husband Ron. The BnB is exceptional — stylish and spacious accommodations, delicious food, warm hospitality, and hosts who are genuinely kind and authentic, people who make you feel completely at ease. During our stay, we enjoyed learning more about Kathryn’s writing process, which made the story even more meaningful. As an added gift, we were able to meet Johnny himself — gracious, warm, and eager to share additional fascinating stories from his remarkable life.
For book clubs, this would be the ultimate experience — spend a couple of days at the lodge, see some of the places featured in the book, and deepen the conversation in the very setting where the story unfolded.
Few experiences weave together history, hospitality, and heart so seamlessly. Highly recommended.
Johnny and Jazzbo is an extraordinary account of a life boldly and beautifully lived. This is the story of a man who looked bigotry in the face and refused to accept it, who spent a lifetime working quietly and persistently to do good for others. His courage, integrity, and sense of purpose shine through every chapter.
The book is meticulously researched and written with the pacing and richness of a novel. The scenes are so vividly drawn that you feel present in the room, on the ship, in the moments that shaped history and character alike. It is a compelling read — inspiring, deeply human, and filled with adventure, conviction, and heart.
After reading the book, we decided to visit the Choctaw Lodge Bed & Breakfast Retreat in Bruce, Florida, operated by the author, Kathryn Hardy, and her husband Ron. The BnB is exceptional — stylish and spacious accommodations, delicious food, warm hospitality, and hosts who are genuinely kind and authentic, people who make you feel completely at ease. During our stay, we enjoyed learning more about Kathryn’s writing process, which made the story even more meaningful. As an added gift, we were able to meet Johnny himself — gracious, warm, and eager to share additional fascinating stories from his remarkable life.
For book clubs, this would be the ultimate experience — spend a couple of days at the lodge, see some of the places featured in the book, and deepen the conversation in the very setting where the story unfolded.
Few experiences weave together history, hospitality, and heart so seamlessly. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews