'THE STORY'
Chicago has lost a true titan of industry. George E. Johnson, the groundbreaking entrepreneur who established Johnson Products Company and fundamentally reshaped the Black hair care landscape, passed away on Monday morning. He died peacefully of natural causes at his residence in downtown Chicago, according to reports confirmed by the Chicago Sun-Times. Johnson was 99 years old.
Johnson founded Johnson Products in 1954, channeling his vision into a business that would evolve into a multi-million dollar empire. The company became synonymous with beloved brands such as Ultra Sheen, Classy Curl, and Curly Perm, alongside the distinguished Black Tie men’s cologne. A monumental achievement came in 1971 when Johnson Products made history by becoming the first Black-owned business to be listed on the American Stock Exchange, a significant victory in American business history.
Johnson's genius extended beyond product development to innovative marketing strategies specifically targeting Black consumers. A prime example of this foresight was the company's sponsorship of the legendary television show 'Soul Train,' a move that connected brands directly with their audience in a culturally resonant way.
CONTEXT
Born in Mississippi, Johnson's journey to entrepreneurial success began in Chicago, where he relocated with his mother and brothers during his childhood. A high school dropout, he navigated various jobs before finding his calling. While working at Fuller Products, he identified a critical market need for a safer hair straightening product after the company passed on a barber's innovative idea. Collaborating with chemist Herbert Martini, Johnson developed the very formula that would launch his own company and change the game.
His path to securing capital was fraught with early challenges. Initially denied a crucial $250 business loan, Johnson demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness by approaching a different bank branch and articulating his request with a revised rationale, a testament to his perseverance detailed later in his 2025 memoir, 'Afro Sheen: How I Revolutionized an Industry with the Golden Rule, from ‘Soul Train’ to Wall Street.'
'WHY IT MATTERS'
By 1974, Johnson Products was a financial powerhouse, boasting annual sales exceeding $31 million. George E. Johnson leaves behind an indelible legacy that transcends commerce; it’s a legacy built on pioneering entrepreneurship, dedicated philanthropy, and groundbreaking achievements that paved the way for countless Black businesses.
His story is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have when driven by vision, resilience, and a deep understanding of community needs. Johnson didn't just sell hair products; he offered confidence, cultural pride, and economic empowerment, setting a standard for Black entrepreneurship that continues to inspire generations. The impact on the beauty industry and Black economic advancement is immeasurable.
Reporting via The Source. Read the original story here: https://thesource.com/2026/07/07/george-e-johnson-dies-johnson-products-founder/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=george-e-johnson-dies-johnson-products-founder
