Based in Chicago, Johnson began working as a DJ and producer in the 1980s and gained worldwide recognition with “Get Get Down,” an No. 1 hit on the dance music charts with mainstream success in Europe. “Get Get Down” was added to the dance video game “Just Dance 2021.” His music was influential on musicians including Daft Punk, who named him in their 1997 track “Teachers” that paid tribute to their influences. Johnson used a wheelchair after being injured by a stray bullet in his teens; later in his life, he became a double amputee.
Tributes to Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson… Rest in peace, thank you for the music. 💛
v sad news about paul johnson. he's one of the very best organisers of rhythm in house music and taught me so much through his music. in my dj sets from the last 30 years, he's the only artist who has appeared in virtually every one of them. #pauljohnsonhttps://t.co/QLoetlWyCx
Paul Johnson taught us how to bounce to the beat. A groove like no other, honestly. This is so depressing. But the records, the music will remain timeless and uplifting. We will always have that Chicago groove. godspeed PJ! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TX5BcxbujI
News editor, Legacy.com. Named 2017's Obituary Writer of the Year by the Society of Professional Obituary Writers. Quoted by CNN, the New York Times, and Macleans.
