Obituaries
George Johnson, Pioneer Of Black Hair Care Products, Dies At 99, Spokesperson Says
Johnson Products was also the first Black company listed on the American Stock Exchange.
July 7, 2026
Chicago businessman and founder of Johnson Products, George E. Johnson, has died.
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A spokesperson for Johnson said he died on Monday.
He founded Johnson Products in 1954 with the help of a $500 loan. The products originally focused on the hair care market for African American men. However, his success came from the women's hair care market, with one popular product, Ultra Sheen—a home-use straightener.
