Norman Johnson
May 23, 1943 – October 13, 2010
Norman Johnson, known professionally as General Johnson, was as Grammy-winning songwriter, as well as a producer and the lead singer of popular late ’60s/early ’70s soul group, Chairmen of the Board. Johnson was just 16 when he made his first recordings for the storied Atlantic Records. In those early days he fronted his own group, the Humdingers, and shortly thereafter, the Showmen. It was with the latter that Johnson first started cracking the R&B singles chart with such records as “39-21-40 Shape.” After a short and less fruitful run as a solo artist, Johnson formed the Chairmen of the Board. The year was 1967, and it was with that group that he went on to release such hits as “(You’ve Got Me) Dangling On a String,” “Pay the Piper,” and “Give Me Just a Little More Time,” which sold in excess of one million copies. In 1970, Johnson won a Grammy as the songwriter of the mega hit “Patches” as recorded by Clarence Carter. Jerry Reed, Honey Cone, and Freda Payne also had hits with songs penned by Johnson. As was the case with many R&B acts of the era, Johnson and Chairmen of the Board’s music fell out of favor with the general public. But during the ’90s, the group reformed and found renewed success touring the vibrant Beach Music circuit along the coastal towns of Southeast United States. Norman Johnson was 67 when he passed away on October 13, 2010. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Thanks to Lellie Capwell for the assist.
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