Varnell Harris Johnson, who held senior government roles at Capitol-EMI, Blue Observe, Jive, Island, Elektra Data and extra all through his profession in music and who was president of the Residing Legends Basis, has died. He was 76.
Johnson — or “VJ,” as his friends knew him — handed away on Wednesday (June 21) at 6 p.m. ET of congestive coronary heart failure, Billboard has discovered.
Johnson has been credited for recruiting many Black executives, together with a number of ladies, into key music trade positions. He had an ear for expertise and had a hand in bringing Tina Turner over to Capitol Data as a solo artist, and introduced the Isley Brothers with him from Elektra to Island. Along with his information of how influential gospel music was to the group, he helped set up the gospel-focused Verity Data.
“This can be a main loss,” says David C. Linton, good friend of Johnson and chairman of the Residing Legends Basis. “On the time he broke into the trade, he was capable of work in each facet of the enterprise. Varnell was one of many first Black executives to have complete autonomy throughout the label system. He not solely signed some nice artists, however he additionally employed different Black executives and molded so a lot of our careers. He had loads of ‘firsts’ in his profession. He was at all times caring, he promoted ladies, and you can at all times name him for recommendation – he was that nice hyperlink.”
Residing Legends Basis vice chairman Jacqueline Rhinehart, a advertising and marketing skilled, remembers him as “the quintessential document man. He was a straight shooter and somebody who was nice at sustaining relationships in any respect ranges of the trade … He by no means misplaced his function as an influencer — it wasn’t reliant on what job he held at what label.”
“He was a individuals individual, a great individual to know,” Ray Harris, a veteran document promotion government and a founding member of the Residing Legends Basis, says. “And I’ve such a deep appreciation for him as a result of he received on board with the Residing Legends Basis proper from the start. The group grew considerably because of his participation and management. He was at all times a voice of frequent sense, knowledge, and calm, and we’re going to overlook that voice.”
Johnson was born in Philadelphia. He performed soccer and basketball at Simon Gratz Excessive College and graduated at 16. He then enlisted within the Military at 17, serving as a fight medic within the Vietnam Battle. Following an honorable discharge, he went to Temple College and graduated with a advertising and marketing and promoting diploma. Harold Childs, a Philadelphia neighbor, influenced Johnson to get into the music enterprise.
His profession in music began as a gofer at A&L Document Distributors earlier than changing into normal supervisor for Philly Groove Data. His was then employed as a advertising and marketing/promotion director at GMC, which led to him touchdown at EMI/United Artists’ newly shaped R&B division in Los Angeles in 1979.
Johnson moved to father or mother firm Capitol Data as vice chairman of A&R, working with artists together with René & Angela, A Style of Honey, Maze that includes Frankie Beverly, George Clinton, Freddie Jackson, Natalie Cole, Peabo Bryson, Roberta Flack, Tina Turner and Ashford & Simpson. His subsequent gig, as vice chairman of promotion and advertising and marketing at Capitol’s Manhattan/Blue Observe Data division, introduced him again to the East Coast. There, he labored with Dianne Reeves, Bobby McFerrin, Phyllis Hyman, The O’Jays and Shirley Jones.
Johnson was employed as vice chairman of promoting and promotion at Jive Data in 1992. He labored with R. Kelly, A Tribe Known as Quest, KRS One and Aaliyah at Jive. Subsequent, he made his mark at Elektra Data, the place he served as vice chairman and labored with Keith Sweat, Kut Klose and Ron Isley, after which was provided the place of senior vice chairman and normal supervisor for Island Data’ Black music division; the Isley Brothers adopted him, becoming a member of a roster with Dru Hill, Karen Clark Sheard and Kelly Value.
Johnson went on to run Junes Leisure Inc., his personal consulting agency, and most not too long ago resided in New Jersey. He’s survived by his spouse Darlene, son Varnell, (nicknamed “June”) and daughter Tracey.
Funeral preparations shall be introduced at a later date.
