At the age of eight, while attending Doolittle Elementary School, Johnson also started work as a shoe shine boy.

Johnson later attended Wendell Phillips High School but dropped out to work full-time jobs.

[5] Afro-Sheen, one of Johnson's best-known products, was released in the late 1960s, at a time when the "Afro" became a popular hairstyle for African Americans.

In 1964, Johnson founded Independence Bank, and during the 1970s he became the exclusive sponsor behind the nationally syndicated dance show Soul Train.

Johnson was married to Joan Betty Henderson, whom he met while they were students at Phillips High School.