The Other Johnson and Johnson | From Planet Money
Summary
Planet Money explores the rise and fall of Johnson Products, founded by George and Joan Johnson, who built a multi-billion dollar empire by catering to Black hair care needs. The episode traces their journey from creating AfroSheen to funding Soul Train and the civil rights movement, before detailing their decline due to corporate pressures and competition. It concludes with reflections on how the Black hair care market is now largely owned by white companies, highlighting the complex legacy of Black entrepreneurship.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: PayPal, ChatGPT Work, and Botox
Intro: George Johnson and the AfroSheen legacy
Olivia Joan Gali and her grandmother's designer collection
Episode structure and sponsor breaks
George Johnson's early life and the 'Conch' hairstyle
Inventing Ultra Wave with barber Orville Nelson
Joan Johnson's role and community impact
The Afro era, AfroSheen, and Dr. King's visit
Sponsoring Soul Train and going public on the stock exchange
Wealth, lifestyle changes, and sponsor breaks
Corporate pressures and competition from Revlon
The Jerry Curl trend and selling the company
Legacy: White ownership of Black hair care brands
Credits and final sponsors: Optum and Brilliant
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