NEW YORK — As he entered his mid-90s, trailblazing Black entrepreneur George E. Johnson felt a compelling urge to pen his life story.
His memoir, titled “Afro Sheen: How I Revolutionized an Industry with the Golden Rule, from Soul Train to Wall Street,” is set to be released on February 3 by Little, Brown and Company.
This title references one of the standout products developed by his company, Johnson Products Company, which was established in 1954.
Notably, Johnson Products became the first Black-owned enterprise to gain a listing on the American Stock Exchange and was recognized for its sponsorship of the iconic 1970s television music program “Soul Train.”

Now at the age of 97, Johnson collaborated with author-editor Hilary Beard on his memoir.
The idea to write a book did not cross his mind until approximately three years ago.
“I had an epiphany on Sunday morning, November 21, 2021,” he shared in a statement that was made public by Little, Brown.
“In that moment, I distinctly heard five words: ‘You must tell your story.’ I felt it was a divine message. I made a complete turnaround and immediately started searching for a writer.”