Vocalist, Songwriter. He was best known as the lead singer with the R&B group Chairmen of the Board. Born Norman Johnson, he began singing initially in church while a young child, and formed his own group The Humdingers at age twelve. At age eighteen, he was performing in the group The Showmen, who recorded the hit "It Will Stand" (1961). During the late-1960s Johnson relocated to Detroit and formed Chairmen of the Board, along with Danny Woods, Harrison Kennedy and Eddie Curtis. They signed with Invictus Records (a label established by Motown songwriters Holland, Dozier and Holland), and scored a gold record with their signature tune "Give Me Just a Little More Time" (reaching number 3 in 1970), followed by "(You've Got Me) Dangling On a String" (1970), "Everything's Tuesday" (1970) and "Pay to the Piper" (1970). He received a Grammy Award in 1970 as co-writer of the song "Patches", which became a gold single for Clarence Carter. In addition, Johnson wrote the number one hit "Want Ads" (1971) for The Honey Cone, and followed it with their score "Stick-Up" (reaching number 11 in 1971). Later in the decade, he pursued a solo career, and over the years participated in Chairmen of the Board reunions. Johnson remained an active performer until a few months prior to his death.
Vocalist, Songwriter. He was best known as the lead singer with the R&B group Chairmen of the Board. Born Norman Johnson, he began singing initially in church while a young child, and formed his own group The Humdingers at age twelve. At age eighteen, he was performing in the group The Showmen, who recorded the hit "It Will Stand" (1961). During the late-1960s Johnson relocated to Detroit and formed Chairmen of the Board, along with Danny Woods, Harrison Kennedy and Eddie Curtis. They signed with Invictus Records (a label established by Motown songwriters Holland, Dozier and Holland), and scored a gold record with their signature tune "Give Me Just a Little More Time" (reaching number 3 in 1970), followed by "(You've Got Me) Dangling On a String" (1970), "Everything's Tuesday" (1970) and "Pay to the Piper" (1970). He received a Grammy Award in 1970 as co-writer of the song "Patches", which became a gold single for Clarence Carter. In addition, Johnson wrote the number one hit "Want Ads" (1971) for The Honey Cone, and followed it with their score "Stick-Up" (reaching number 11 in 1971). Later in the decade, he pursued a solo career, and over the years participated in Chairmen of the Board reunions. Johnson remained an active performer until a few months prior to his death.
Bio by: C.S.
