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Executive Power Mover


Johnna Johnson
Sr. Account Executive, Billboard

 

A perfectionist that is serious about her work, Billboard's Johnna Johnson has been conquering music industry obstacles and taking charge for over 17 years. Maintaining a hectic daily 10-hour schedule, Billboard's Johnna is one of the most respected executives in today's music entertainment industry. Acting as the advertising liaison between leading record labels, Billboard magazine and it sister publication, the R&B Airplay Monitor, Johnna Johnson's career began in 1983. She got a much needed career boost when she was hired as Tour Manager for Lewis Gray Concert Entertainment in Los Angeles, responsible for advertising, concert bookings and tour promotions.

 

Later, a brief stint as an administrative assistant at Motown records led to the 1986 move to Urban Network Magazine as Special Project Manager. Here Johnna handled circulation, advertising, radio and retail tracking, cover layouts, as well as product mailings. Johnna, working with then president Jerry Boulding helped devise the first "Quiet Storm Chart."

 

The next phase in Johnna Johnson's career came in 1995 when she assumed the position of National Promotions Manager at GRP Records in New York. Maintaining a front line position, she was responsible for everything from artist promotions to creating marketing plans. She was responsible for launching GRP's first Urban Promotion Field Staff and was instrumental in the careers of Phil Perry, Incognito's Maysa and violinist Jerald Daemon.

 

When describing her career, Johnna says... "People use terms like keep it real but don't really apply it nor do they practice it in their day-to-day life. But that has been my life, trying to keep everything in its proper perspective. When it comes to working in this industry, I pride myself on working with folks who teach and can pass on the knowledge they have to offer. I liken it to a championship team, if you've won before, then you know how to win, how to get to the playoffs. If you've never been to the playoffs before, then you don't know what to expect and you stumble. I enjoy learning from folks I've worked with, being under their tutelage and soaking it all up like a sponge... taking all I can get."

 

Johnna continues by saying, "we work in a business that can cause to you to get caught up! The life style, the parities... all the glitz and glamour, its really infectious! I make it a point to keep my personal life separate from my job. As for my roots, my family-we're a close family, even though I live 3,000 miles away; we see each other often and talk all the time, my sisters in Midwest make sure of that! Family is first; my two sons give me the greatest joy. Just thinking about them make me simile. My husband is my best friend and teacher. We have been through more than anyone would ever imagine; we've been friends for almost 20 years. He has shared his experience of retail and radio promotions, which gives us a common ground and helps alter a long day, having someone who has an understanding of the industry.

 

The glue that keeps my family together is our faith in the Creator and his son Jesus Christ. Without a spiritual foundation, we would have crumbled a long time ago."

 



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