Varnell Harris Johnson, a veteran music executive and the president of the Living Legends Foundation, has died.
Johnson has been credited for recruiting several Black executives, including many women, into key music industry positions. He had an ear for talent and had a hand in bringing Tina Turner over to Capitol Records as a solo artist, and brought the Isley Brothers with him from Elektra to Island. With his knowledge of how influential gospel music was to the community, he helped establish the gospel-focused Verity Records.
Living Legends Foundation vice president Jacqueline Rhinehart, a marketing professional, 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.”
His career in music started as a gofer at A&L Record Distributors before becoming general manager for Philly Groove Records. His was then hired as a marketing/promotion director at GMC, which led to him landing at EMI/United Artists’ newly formed R&B division in Los Angeles in 1979.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Biden and Harris joining key reproductive rights groups ahead of Dobbs anniversary | CNN PoliticsPresident Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are set to join a trio of key reproductive rights activist groups to mark the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs Supreme Court decision Friday, highlighting what’s expected to be a major Biden campaign plank for the 2024 presidential election.
Read more »
Kamala Harris’s 2024 Role Crystallizes Around Abortion RightsThe Biden-Harris ticket is going all in on the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision, betting the Republican assault on reproductive rights will continue to galvanize voters in the presidential election.
Read more »
Woman found dead behind dumpster in northwest Harris CountyAuthorities are working to determine her cause of death and ask anyone with information to give them a call.
Read more »
Many residents in north Harris County remain without power after strong stormsMore than 24 hours since power has been on for many people across the area, but for others in north Harris County, residents remain without air conditioning as triple-digit temperatures return.
Read more »