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I just heard that General Norman Johnson with the Chairmen of the Board passed away last night (10/13/2010). This legend will be missed by many. Thoughts and Prayers go out to his family. Some of my favorite shows of his were at the Triangle Beach Music Festival where he played every year until this past festival in 2010.
Chairmen’s first single, “Give Me Just a Little More Time,” became a HUGE hit in 1970, closely followed by “(You’ve Got Me) Dangling on a String” and “Everything’s Tuesday.” Johnson wrote another of the group’s moderate hits, “Pay to the Piper,”. Some of his songs became big hits for other artists like “Patches” for Clarence Carter. He won a Grammy Award for writing “Patches”
General Johnson was the best Beach Music Artist I have ever heard in my life. He had a gift for Beach Music like no one else. He had the best voice in the business. I went to see him play with the Chairmen of the Board Band many times. As I listen to his music today it gives me chills. he was the greatest ever.
General Johnson had what it took. He will be missed by every one who loved beach music. I have seen him many man y times over the years. Have good memories of The General. He is now Shadow Dancing, with out a doubt.
Was so sad to hear of the passing of the “General”. Chairmen of the Board has been and always will be my favorite beach music band. Everytime I hear one of their songs I want to be at Myrtle Beach. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see them in person as much as I would have liked, the 2 times I did see them, I will never forget. Sing on NJ, we will always miss you. Prayers and thoughts to your family.
I had the Pleasure of knowing the General, some 35 years ago he Danny, I met in Houston,Texas what a wonderful person loved the group Chairman of the Board. RIP General, my prayers to his family and loved one.
To the Family,
I never will forget what General Johnson said to me at my
husbands funeral (Bobby Smith with the Poor Souls) He said
“I love Bobby Smith”. I wanted you to know that Bobby loved
Your husband, father, grandfather, brother, and all
General Johnson. He was a wonderful person and a good man. I’m sure when he finds Bobby in heaven they will rejoice and embrace in their new life together. My prayers are with the family and God bless you all.
Jane Smith, Charlotte, NC
Roanoke’s Party in the Park won’t be the same without The General. Are prayers are with his family, Ken, Danny and the band.
Saddest news! When I heard this it felt like I had just lost a family member so I can only imagine how his love ones feel. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.
LOVED the Chairman!
From a Carolina Girl!
gonna miss The General! Had some good times watchin’ Chairmen play.
Shocked to learn the news about General Johnson. He has been my favorite for so many years. Seems some people should live forever, and he will in his music and in our hearts.
I have not had time to read the piece you wrote this week, but Donna Kelly on 107.9 applauded it as beautiful. I will read soon.
Ann
General Johnson had what it took. He will be missed by every one who loved beach music. I have seen him many man y times over the years. Have good memories of The General.
He is now Shadow Dancing, with out a doubt.
Listening to him now. Makes me wish I’d never moved away from NC and all the great festivals and opportunities to hear the Chairmen regularly over the years. I’ll cherish the times I did see him, especially the NCSU Sigma Alpha Mu 50th Anniversary. What a treat to be able have General Johnson perform for us.
I am so sad to hear that General Johnson passed away. My husband and I first met when The Chairman of the Board were playing at then Club Faces in Dunn, NC, now called The Regency. He was on one side of the sound board and I was on the other. I am so glad that my daughters, ages 20 and 7, were able to see them perform at beach music festivals. We all loved their music. He will be missed forever. What an entertainer he was. I know Heaven is having a concert with General, Dink Perry, and others.
He was a great entertainer, a friend, and a man of God
i first saw the general at the castaways years ago and no matter where i ran into him he always took the time to see how i was doing and a big old hand shake.. general my friend u will missed
The “General” has always been very special to the Sandhills of NC & SC. I remember him in the 1970’s at the Coachman & Four Club in Bennettsville, SC, The Dock in Southern Pines, NC and many other places. He and His Band were always Fantastic. He surely will be missed. May “The Lord” bless his family.
General’s heart and soul was his music. He was talented beyond measure and no one will ever come close to his amazingly unique voice. I’m going to miss him and cherish the wonderful memories I have. Rest in peace dear friend.
SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF GENERAL JOHNSON. WE ALWAYS HAD A GREAT TIME AT VA. BEACH AT BEACH MUSIC WEEKEND WITH CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. A LOT OF GOOD SONGS…..”PATCHES” AND ” CAROLINA GIRL.” MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY.
We have lost a great one.
The King (“Elvis”) of Beach Music.
I am so sad. General Johnson is such a legend in N.C. After all, he sang about us “Carolina Girls” and I thank him for that.I wake up to him every morning (CD), it will make me cry when I hear “that voice” first thing tomorrow, knowing he is gone. RIP General, the world was a much better place with you in it. My prayers are with “his family” which includes the band.
I want to Thank God above for giving me a chance to ever see and hear the General. He had one of the most bless t voices that the world has ever known. I Thank God that the Carolina’s was blessed to have him. He lived and sang his life in one form or another. The C.O.B. has always had a song that fit any mood that I got in. Through his music, He always had something to help bring me up again. We will never forget him, always treasure the good times that we saw him and C.O. B. I am thankful that I will always have his music to lean on, as I will from here on.
God Bless you General Norman Johnson, May you Rest in Peace forever! I pray God will bless that Chairmen and all of your family’s
I know that Heaven is a much better sounding place today!
“IT WILL STAND” by The Showmen. One of the greatest beach music hits — EVER!
All true “Carolina Girls” should throw a kiss to heaven because “The General” knew you are “The Sweetest Girls in the World.” I believe the “General” has either “Gone Fishing” or is entertainig “The Shadow Shaggers”,God Rest Your Soul General.
I have heard and met General many times what a great person and performer. Beach Music will never be the same. RIP General
The General’s Music Will Live Forever On My Juke Box. God Bless
I am so sorry for the loss of the great General Johnson. He gave us many great memories with his songs. My condolences to his family. May his great songs live on with his memory.
A BIG piece of beach music died last night.
I remember General Johnson and the Chairman of the Board playing at the Windjammer Lounge in Clemmons N.C.. He always put on a great show and was a pleasure to work with.He and the boys always packed the house when they came to town. He will be missed by all beach music lovers……
i am 73 – i grew up to the best – shame god need them now
There’s another “Sftar” jn the “Heavenly Band”!
As Bob Hope used to say.”Thanks For The Memories”
My sincere sympathy goes out to his family and to the other members of the Chairman of the Board Group. I have always liked the Chairman of the Board as they play one of my favorite songs,
“Carolina Girl”!!!
To say that “General Johnson’s” passing is a loss is great understatement. He’s had, arguably, more of an impact on Beach Music than any other performer. From his days with the Showmen (39-21-40 Shape) through the present with “Chairmen of the Board” he has been a giant in our beloved genre of music. He WILL live on in his music! Thoughts and prayers to family.
What a great performer! He WILL be missed by me and many others. Peace.
We will miss Norman tremendously. He is resting in a brand new home. God bless.
Thanks Jim for your post on your blog!
http://www.jimquickies.com/2010/10/day-beach-music-died-homage-to-king-of.html
Lot of comments on Ken Knox post at http://www.facebook.com/pages/General-Johnson-and-The-Chairmen-of-the-Board/82789911337
This is a very sad day I have followed the Chairman for thirty five years and love them more each time. When my niece turned 21 we saw them at the Longbranch in Raleigh and she has loved them every since. You were always guaranteed a great show whether it was inside or outside at the Triangle Beach Festival. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Thanks for all the wonderfuls shows and memories.
Cindy McDougald
Sanford,NC
I met the General at Yesterdays in Hickory, really nice guy, I have always loved their band. It is a sad end to an era. He will be missed
So sad to here. Triangle Beach Music Festival will Never be the same. General Johnson’s talent and stage presence just made the show! They could have been singing the phone book and it wouldn’t have mattered. He will be so missed. Prayers to the family and the group.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, the music festivals won’t be the same. He has “Gone Fishing” with the Lord
Our thoughts and prayers are with Generals family, friends, and the beach music community. It’s a huge loss and this Legend will be missed!
I’m so sorry to hear of General’s passing, the summer beach music festival won’t be the same without him. He was a great performer and gave it all so everyone would have a great time. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and he will be greatly missed. He has “Gone Fishing” with the lord.
The “General” was truely a great Beach music icon that will never be forgotten. You could always expect “an energy check” from him. So many great tunes that never got old. Thanks for some great times!
He was truly a great entertainer! I have seen him many, many times and was never disappointed by his show. My prayers go out to his family. He will be greatly missed.
I’ve seen Chaiman of the Board AT LEAST once a year for as long as I can remember. I was just looking at the website yesterday for dates of their next shows. This is such a sad situation. My heart will be with you always General J.
“If There’s A Rock “n” Roll Heaven.” (SHAG)
Our thoughts and prayers go out the his family and friends!! He was such a wonderful man! We had a lot of great times at Deadwood with them! His legacy will go on!! RIP & we love you!
I saw Norman Johnson in Kannapolis Park. He was really good, the whole concert was great! He will be missed a lot.His music will live on forever.
Rest in peace, prayers go out to the Chairman of the board, and to the Johnson family.
Unique singer and songwriter…there will never be another…. Rest in Peace my friend… rest in peace.
I'm soooo sad. I'm not as much of a beach music lover as my husband but I love General Johnson and the Chairman of the Board. Our 13 yr old daughter will drop everything to see them and listen to them! General Johnson will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Lot of Great Comments being posted on many pages and profiles at facebook
Check out some comments on Jim Quick's page http://www.facebook.com/jimquick
Johnson was a great singer and dancer…loved his music.
So sorry for the lose of a loved one and one who gave so much joy in his music.
such a sad, sad day 🙁 my thoughts and prayers with the family.