parks
George E. Johnson of Johnson Products Company dies at 99
By Dorothy Sedovic at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 7, 2026
· 2 min read
(Gray News) - George E. Johnson, founder of the trailblazing Johnson Products Company, died, according to media reports. He was 99.He died in his downtown Chicago condo, his son, John Edward Johnson, told the Chicago Sun-Times. The New York Times reported he died of a respiratory illness, citing ...
Key takeaway Born in a sharecropper’s shack in Mississippi in 1927, Johnson moved to Chicago with his mother at the age of 2, CNBC reported.
Why this matters in The Nashville
George E. Johnson's legacy extends beyond his business accomplishments to the impact he had on communities like Nashville , where African American residents have long sought products that cater to their hair care needs. The success of Johnson Products Company, with its popular brands like Afro Sheen and Ultra Wave, helped pave the way for other businesses to serve this demographic. In Nashville, where the African American community is a significant part of the city's fabric, Johnson's innovative approach to hair care resonated with many residents. His company's commitment to providing products that met the specific needs of Black consumers helped to foster a sense of pride and self-expression, particularly during the civil rights era. As Nashville continues to grow and evolve, Johnson's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the business community, and the need for companies to cater to the unique needs of all residents.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Gray News) - George E. Johnson, founder of the trailblazing Johnson Products Company, died, according to media reports. He was 99.He died in his downtown Chicago condo, his son, John Edward Johnson, told the Chicago Sun-Times. The New York Times reported he died of a respiratory illness, citing ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dorothy Sedovic at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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