Famous People Named Thomas Johnson

Published January 15, 2025 by Editorial Team

Key Takeaways

  • Thomas Johnson (1732-1819) was the first Governor of Maryland and a Supreme Court Justice
  • Tommy Johnson (1896-1956) was an influential Delta blues musician whose legend inspired 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?'
  • Tom Johnson served as CNN president during the 1990s and was publisher of the Los Angeles Times
  • Pepper Johnson was a two-time Super Bowl champion linebacker with the New York Giants

The name Thomas Johnson has belonged to some remarkable individuals across American history. From a Founding Father who nominated George Washington as commander-in-chief to a blues musician whose legend involves selling his soul at a crossroads, Thomas Johnsons have left their mark on politics, music, sports, and media.

What makes this collection of namesakes particularly interesting is their diversity. You'll find a Supreme Court Justice and a legendary guitarist, an NFL linebacker and a documentary filmmaker. The combination of Thomas and Johnson somehow seems to produce achievers in wildly different fields.

Thomas Johnson, First Governor of Maryland (1732-1819)

The most historically significant Thomas Johnson was born in Calvert County, Maryland, in 1732. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1753, and began a career that would place him at the center of American independence.

At the Second Continental Congress in 1775, Thomas Johnson nominated George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. He served as a brigadier general in the Maryland Militia during the Revolution, leading troops to support Washington's retreat through New Jersey.

In 1777, the Maryland legislature elected him the state's first governor. He served three terms, managing wartime governance and securing provisions for Washington's army. Later, he served on the U.S. Supreme Court from 1791 to 1793 and helped name the new federal capital "Washington" in honor of his friend.

Tommy Johnson, Delta Blues Legend (1896-1956)

Born near Terry, Mississippi, Tommy Johnson became one of the most influential blues musicians of the early 20th century. His eerie falsetto voice and intricate guitar work set him apart from contemporaries, though his brief recording career left only a handful of songs.

Johnson recorded his most famous tracks in 1928, including "Canned Heat Blues," "Cool Drink of Water Blues," and "Big Road Blues." The band Canned Heat later took their name from his song about drinking the methanol from cooking fuel.

Perhaps more famous than his music is his legend. Johnson claimed to have sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in exchange for his guitar mastery. This story was later attributed to Robert Johnson (no relation), but it originated with Tommy. The 2000 film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" features a character named Tommy Johnson who tells this same story.

Tom Johnson, Media Executive (born 1941)

Wyatt Thomas Johnson built a career at the intersection of journalism and power. Born in Macon, Georgia, he worked his way from newspaper delivery to the highest levels of American media.

As publisher of the Los Angeles Times from 1980 to 1989, Johnson led the paper to record circulation and six Pulitzer Prizes. He was the first non-Chandler family member to hold that position.

In 1990, Ted Turner recruited Johnson to serve as CNN's third president. He arrived the day before Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. CNN's live coverage of the Gulf War transformed the network into a global news powerhouse. Johnson ran CNN until 2001, presiding over some of the most significant news events of the era.

Tom Johnson, NHL Hall of Famer (1928-2007)

Thomas Christian Johnson, born in Baldur, Manitoba, became one of hockey's most decorated defensemen. He won six Stanley Cups as a player with the Montreal Canadiens and was selected to eight NHL All-Star games.

In 1959, Johnson won the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman. After retiring as a player, he joined the Boston Bruins organization, winning another Stanley Cup as assistant general manager in 1970 and an eighth as head coach in 1972.

Johnson was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1970. He spent over 30 years with the Bruins organization in various roles before retiring in 1998.

Pepper Johnson, NFL Linebacker (born 1964)

Thomas "Pepper" Johnson earned his nickname because his aunt noticed he liked putting black pepper on his corn flakes. He earned his NFL reputation the harder way: 13 seasons of hard-hitting linebacker play.

The New York Giants drafted Johnson in 1986, and he quickly became part of a legendary linebacking corps. He won Super Bowls with the Giants in 1987 and 1991, earning a Pro Bowl selection and First-Team All-Pro honors in 1990.

After his playing career, Johnson became a respected coach, reuniting with Bill Belichick in New England. He won three more Super Bowls as an assistant coach with the Patriots before moving on to coaching roles with the Bills and Jets.

Other Notable Thomas Johnsons

The name has belonged to many other accomplished individuals across different fields:

Tom L. Johnson (1854-1911) served as mayor of Cleveland from 1901 to 1909 and was considered one of the greatest mayors in American history, championing municipal ownership of utilities and transit.

Thomas Johnson (1714-1778) was an English furniture designer and woodcarver whose pattern books influenced Georgian-era decorative arts.

Thomas Johnson is a contemporary French documentary filmmaker known for works on religious movements and global politics, including his 2023 film about evangelical Christianity.