Varnell Harris Johnson Courtesy of The Living Legends Foundation
Varnell Harris Johnson, that held elderly exec duties at Capitol-EMI, Blue Note, Jive, Island, Elektra Records and also a lot more throughout his job in songs and also that was head of state of the Living Legends Foundation, has actually passed away. He was 76.
Johnson — or “VJ,” as his peers understood him — died on Wednesday (June 21) at 6 p.m. ET of coronary infarction, Billboard has actually found out.
Johnson has actually been attributed for hiring numerous Black execs, consisting of lots of ladies, right into crucial songs sector settings. He had an ear for ability and also contributed to bringing Tina Turner over to Capitol Records as a solo musician, and also brought the Isley Brothers with him from Elektra to Island. With his understanding of exactly how significant scripture songs was to the neighborhood, he aided develop the gospel-focused Verity Records.
“This is a major loss,” states David C. Linton, good friend of Johnson and also chairman of the Living Legends Foundation. “At the time he broke into the industry, he was able to work in every aspect of the business. Varnell was one of the first Black executives to have total autonomy within the label system. He not only signed some great artists, but he also hired other Black executives and molded so many of our careers. He had a lot of ‘firsts’ in his career. He was always caring, he promoted women, and you could always call him for advice – he was that great link.”
Living Legends Foundation vice head of state Jacqueline Rhinehart, an advertising expert, remembers him as “the quintessential record man. He was a straight shooter and someone who was great at maintaining relationships at all levels of the industry … He never lost his role as an influencer — it wasn’t reliant on what job he held at what label.”
“He was a people person, a good person to know,” Ray Harris, an expert document promo exec and also an establishing participant of the Living Legends Foundation, states. “And I have such a deep appreciation for him because he got on board with the Living Legends Foundation right from the beginning. The organization grew substantially thanks to his participation and leadership. He was always a voice of common sense, wisdom, and calm, and we’re going to miss that voice.”
Johnson was birthed in Philadelphia. He played football and also basketball at Simon Gratz High School and also finished at 16. He after that got in the Army at 17, working as a battle paramedic in the Vietnam War. Following an ethical discharge, he mosted likely to Temple University and also finished with an advertising and marketing level. Harold Childs, a Philadelphia next-door neighbor, affected Johnson to enter into the songs service.
His job in songs began as a gofer at A&L Record Distributors prior to ending up being basic supervisor for Philly Groove Records. His was after that employed as a marketing/promotion supervisor at GMC, which brought about him touchdown at EMI/United Artists’ freshly developed R&B department in Los Angeles in 1979.
Johnson relocated to moms and dad business Capitol Records as vice head of state of A&R, collaborating with musicians consisting of René & Angela, A Taste of Honey, Maze including Frankie Beverly, George Clinton, Freddie Jackson, Natalie Cole, Peabo Bryson, Roberta Flack, Tina Turner and also Ashford & Simpson. His following job, as vice head of state of promo and also advertising and marketing at Capitol’s Manhattan/Blue Note Records department, brought him back to the East Coast. There, he functioned with Dianne Reeves, Bobby McFerrin, Phyllis Hyman, The O’Jays and also Shirley Jones.
Johnson was employed as vice head of state of advertising and marketing and also promo at Jive Records in 1992. He collaborated with R. Kelly, A Tribe Called Quest, KRS One and also Aaliyah at Jive. Next, he made his mark at Elektra Records, where he worked as vice head of state and also collaborated with Keith Sweat, Kut Klose and also Ron Isley, and afterwards was provided the setting of elderly vice head of state and also basic supervisor for Island Records’ Black songs department; the Isley Brothers followed him, signing up with a lineup with Dru Hill, Karen Clark Sheard and also Kelly Price.
Johnson took place to run Junes Entertainment Inc., his very own consulting company, and also most just recently lived in New Jersey. He is made it through by his spouse Darlene, kid Varnell, (nicknamed “June”) and also little girl Tracey.
Funeral setups will certainly be revealed at a later day.
