George Johnson was born in 1927 in a small cabin in Mississippi. When he was two years old, his family moved to Chicago. Johnson became a very successful businessman. He started selling cosmetics door-to-door when he was young. In 1954, he and his wife started their own company. They made hair products like Ultra Wave and Ultra Sheen. Many people used their products, and the business became very successful.
Johnson's company became one of the first black-owned companies to be listed on the American Stock Exchange. He also sponsored a popular TV show called Soul Train. Johnson was a pioneer in the business world and helped many people. He also started a bank in Chicago, which was one of the first and largest black-owned banks in America. Johnson remained the chairman of the bank until it was sold in 1995.
George Johnson died at the age of 99. He was a very important person in American history. The Joan and George Johnson Program Room was opened in his honor. Johnson will be remembered as a trailblazer who helped many people and changed the world of business.
