John Albert Johnson

John Albert Johnson 1861-1909, American political leader, governor of Minnesota, b. St. Peter, Minn. The son of poor parents, he left school early and worked at various trades until 1887, when he became editor and half owner of the St. Peter Herald, a Democratic journal. His editorials brought him into public notice, and in 1898 he was elected state senator. In 1904 he was elected governor on the Democratic ticket in a Republican state that gave Theodore Roosevelt a two-to-one majority that year. Johnson's victory won him national fame, increased by his reelections in 1906 and 1908. His progressive administration, gracious personality, and talent for speaking made him one of Minnesota's most popular governors.

Johnson, Albert [Richard] (1910–67), scenic designer. He was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and began his theatrical career painting scenery for the Farmingdale Opera House on Long Island. After studying briefly with Norman Bel Geddes, Johnson was hired at the age of nineteen to create the sets of The Criminal Code (1929). His designs were praised for their realism, but he insisted he had not gone near a jail and that he would not work “from real life.” Johnson is credited with perfecting the use of revolving stages, which he employed to stunning effect in The Band Wagon (1931). His designs were also seen in Three's a Crowd (1930), Face the Music (1932), As Thousands Cheer (1933), Let 'Em Eat Cake (1933), Ziegfeld Follies of 1934, Life Begins at 8:40 (1934), The Great Waltz (1934), Jumbo (1935), Leave It to Me! (1938), The Skin of Our Teeth (1942), and the 1956 revival of Show Boat.

Johnson, John (b c.1540; d c.1595). Eng. composer and lutenist at court of Elizabeth I from 1579. Developed lute duet. Earliest of major lutenists of period.