Paul Johnson poured excellence into his craft, influencing globally renowned producers, DJs, artists, and optimists for over four decades.
Official.
“House music, from my mind, to my heart, thru my hands. The message is universal.”
When your name precedes all others on Daft Punk’s timeless ode, Teachers, there’s no denying your place in music history.
A Chicago south-sider through-and-through, Paul Johnson, aka, PJ, was a true Godfather Of House.
Paul Johnson’s influence on dance music is profound. As a pioneer of the Chicago house sound, he played a crucial role in shaping the development of countless sub-genres. Alongside DJ Funk, DJ Deeon, Slugo and Parris Mitchell, PJ defined the ghetto house genre, as a stalwart of the legendary Dance Mania label. His tracks, throughout time, are characterized by their infectious vocals, danceable grooves, catchy hooks, and soulful elements—all of which have inspired countless producers and DJs.
Johnson’s contributions extend beyond his music. A true fitness DJ with soul, his selections blended slamming drums and promiscuous vocals with streaks of gospel, disco, and house sentimentalities. He toured extensively, playing at clubs and festivals around the world, and his influence can still be felt in the house music community today.
With more than 500 releases to his name on dozens of renowned domestic and international labels, and with a career spanning more than 30 years, Johnson’s bombastic productions were consistently plucked from Chicago’s underground to grace sound systems everywhere.
Equally famed for his dexterity and frenetic mixing style behind the decks, Johnson’s sets teemed with so much energy it was no surprise to see the clubs he played beaded with sweat.
A most respected musician, with an undeniably melodic voice and charismatic personality, PJ—and his music—will forever remain in the bedrock of house music. Without his sound, life on the dancefloor just wouldn’t be the same.
PAUL JOHNSON
IS AMAZING
At the request of PJ’s family, the Estate of Paul Johnson is being Independently Administered in Chicago.
Our team has legal oversight from a great group of folks on all sides at Reed Smith, LLP.
We benefit from generous advisory support from Paul’s family & chosen family in a vast but deeply rooted global network .
Our Approach
Paul Leighton Johnson’s Estate team takes on this work humbly, and with the utmost attention paid to preserving and honoring PJ’s extraordinary musical legacy. As custodians of Paul’s remarkable catalog of influential, genre-spanning house music, we are fiercly committed to ensuring his works are complete, accurate, properly attributed and positioned for generational wealth creation.
To accomplish this, we’ve wholeheartedly welcomed contributions, collaboration, and communication from past partners, labels, promoters, friends, and family who played significant roles throughout Paul’s life and career.
We’ve extended open invitations to those whom we’ve learned were a part of Paul's journey, whether personally or professionally. As we continue planting legacy, we’ll be exploring opportunities to better allow fans and loved ones to share their insights, stories, and knowledge of PJ’s contribution to dance music’s now $14 Billion dollar global industry.
Lovers and friends help our team bring greater depth and accuracy to the documentation of Paul’s musical works and they help us remember why he was so loved and respected.
The Estate expects anyone or any entity who engages with, utilizes, or benefits from Mr. Johnson's Intellectual Property posthumously (after his passing) does so with utmost respect and adherence to legal guidelines. It is imperative Paul’s works are used properly and legally, honoring the spirit in which he created and shared his music. He gave everywhere. Now, we’re asking for all who loved him to join us in making his catalog & legacy complete.
A Little Suntin’ Suntin’
Release something recently & want to send us a note? Great! Please do so here. Because who likes paying lawyers, really? No one we know. Let’s make sure Paul’s legacy is treated with the respect it duly deserves.
In our commitment to equitable stewardship, we pledge to diligently pursue the return of Mr. Johnson's previously uncontrolled musical assets. We recognize that there may exist untapped opportunities, uncredited contributions, or unreleased material that are crucial pieces of his musical tapestry. By actively pursuing these assets, we aim to ensure a fair and just distribution of the rights and benefits associated with Mr. Johnson's exceptional body of work.
We believe collaboration and transparency are fundamental to successfully preserving and promoting the musical heritage of Paul Leighton Johnson. As we work towards this goal, we encourage all individuals and entities involved or invested in his music to reach out to us.
Together, we can honor Mr. Johnson's unparalleled contribution to the world of music and ensure that his legacy endures for generations to come.
Please be patient with our quiet work. Estate matters are typically private, unless there’s past or open business to settle. Please inquire with specifics if you’d like to learn more about our work, or have something to contribute. We’re happy to connect.