His best selling piece, a sentimental ballad called "Sweet and Low", sold over a million copies.

He wrote more than the other three combined and exemplified a greater range of talent, composing waltzes, tangos, cakewalks, marches, novelty pieces, and other types of music popular at that time.

As a young man Johnson became involved in the music scene of Kansas City by participating in several local groups.

Jenkins and Sons Music Company in Kansas City, Missouri plugging songs and playing piano.

In addition, Johnson began vanity publishing for others, often writing music for the lyrics of others or simply arranging others’ compositions.

Although Johnson's career would wax and wane with the economy of the turn of the century, World Wars I and II, and the Depression, Charles always had work and could always respond to the musical climate of the U.S. At some point in his career Johnson began writing under pseudonyms.

After the publication of "Dill Pickles" there was a revival of interest in ragtime that extended its life by nearly ten more years.

Among these pieces were "GoodBye Susanna", "Be a Pilgrim (And Not a Ram)", "We Will Follow the Red, White, and Blue", and "We Are All in the Same Boat Now".