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The Legends of Music Awards Norfolk, Virginia April 2007
The Road to Success
The road to success is a long and difficult journey of disappointments, frustrations and sacrifices. The wise traveler tries not to acknowledge how far he or she has come because that only distorts the dream and blurs the vision of the true destination. The ultimate destination is to be the best that you can be.
My hometown, Norfolk, Virginia, recently honored me with the legends of music award, an honor that I will cherish forever. I gratefully share this honor with Tidewater greats Ella Fitzgerald, Pearl Bailey, Bruce Hornsby, Ruth Brown, Clarence Clemmons and many other tremendously talented artists from the Tidewater area.
As my family, friends and well-wishers gathered around me, I unveiled my award, a large bronze medallion embedded into the sidewalk of Granby Street. It reads “The Legends of Music Walk of Fame - General Norman Johnson.” When the crowd began to applaud, my mind began to wander. I was taken back in time to a boy raised on the poverty stricken side of Norfolk, to a boy who dreamed of one day recording million selling records, performing at the Apollo Theatre, appearing on American Band Stand and the Tonight Show, touring and performing around the world. Although I could only play three chord progressions, I also dreamed of becoming a successful songwriter. During the award ceremony, the proud expressions on the faces of my family and friends magnified what I already knew but very seldom think of. Against all odds, I have accomplished all of my boyhood dreams.
As I hugged, shook hands and received congratulations from my family, old friends and other well wishers, I’m embarrassed to say my mind was trying to drift away from this incredibly wonderful moment to a song that I’m writing a for a new recording.
I feel truly honored that my hometown has recognized me for the work I’ve done in the past but my brutally frank mind keeps reminding me that the road to success is a never ending experience. “It ain’t about how far you’ve come but all about where you’re trying to go.” Like the boy from my past, I still have dreams. I’m still traveling.
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This is the Official Notice From the State of Virginia
Designating June 9, 2001, as General Johnson Day in Virginia. WHEREAS, General Johnson and the Chairmen of the Board remains one of the most enduringly popular rhythm and blues bands in the nation; and WHEREAS, for nearly 40 years, General Johnson, who began singing in Norfolk churches as a seven-year-old boy, has entertained fans of R&B music from Detroit to London, from New York to the beaches of North Carolina; and WHEREAS, during a career that has taken him from Norfolk to New York City to Detroit during the height of the Motown sound to extensive touring across the country and around the world, General Johnson has excelled as a performer, songwriter, and producer; and WHEREAS, among General Johnson's more recognizable hits are "Give Me Just a Little More Time," "Somebody's Been Sleepin' in My Bed," and "Pay to the Piper"; and WHEREAS, General Johnson won a Grammy award for writing the top-ten hit "Patches," recorded by Clarence Carter, and won BMI's Songwriter of the Year Award for his work with partner Greg Perry on many million-selling songs; and WHEREAS, General Johnson and the Chairmen of the Board have performed on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson, on "Soul Train" and "American Bandstand," and in such renowned venues as the Apollo Theater and Avery Fisher Hall in New York and the Hammersmith Odeon in London; and WHEREAS, General Johnson remains a popular musician, primarily playing in beachfront communities in North Carolina, where his unique sound combines with the enduring popularity of his songs to attract audiences of all ages; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby designate June 9, 2001, as General Johnson Day in Virginia, in recognition of the manifold contributions of General Johnson to American popular music. |