General Johnson
General Johnson, a prolific songwriter and performer, shares insights into the music industry. He discusses the importance of songwriting for financial success and the enduring power of a great song, even as artists and companies come and go.
Singer-Songwriter
General Johnson
of Chairmen of the Board
www.surfside.com
www.generalentertainment.com
About General Johnson
General Norman Johnson was an R&B singer, songwriter, and producer best known as frontman of the Chairmen of the Board. He wrote and performed the hit "Give Me Just a Little More Time" and won a Grammy for composing "Patches," recorded by Clarence Carter. His songwriting credits include hits for Honey Cone, Freda Payne, and other artists. Johnson began his career with the Showmen in the early 1960s.
In this interview
- Explained that the real money in music comes from writing songs, not performing them.
- Discussed how songs endure while artists, recording companies, and executives fade away.
- Noted that writing a great song is not as easy as people think.
- Talked about his number one hit "Give Me Just a Little More Time" with Chairmen of the Board.
“The song is still there and the song is recorded again and again and again. A great song lasts forever.”— General Johnson, in this interview
Since this interview
General Johnson died on October 13, 2010, at age 69 in East Point, Georgia, from complications of lung cancer.
