George E. Johnson Sr., an American businessman who built a pioneering Black hair care business, dies at age 99, according to family reports cited by multiple outlets. ABC News and other sources say he dies at his home in Chicago on Monday. PBS NewsHour describes his company, Johnson Products, as a national sponsor of the 1970s music and dance television show “Soul Train,” linking the brand to a widely watched era of popular culture. The Washington Times reports that Johnson Products becomes the first Black-owned company to be listed on the American Stock Exchange, describing it as a milestone for Black business representation in public markets. Other outlets similarly highlight his role as a founder of a Black hair care “empire” and note his broader legacy beyond product sales, including community impact and philanthropy. While details about specific charitable activities vary by source, they all frame his death as the end of a long career in entrepreneurship and brand-building, with national recognition for business achievement and cultural visibility. The reports do not indicate any additional circumstances surrounding his death beyond the family’s statement and his Chicago location.