Today we’d like to introduce you to Peggy Still Johnson.
Hi Peggy Still, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a composer, producer, and a fundraiser. I am from San Diego and moved to Atlanta in 1986. My background is in the arts. I founded a music company in Atlanta in 1988 and successfully sold the business 24 years later. From there I kept my entertainment production and coaching company and work on or with films such as “Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Parental Guidance,” “Bessie,” some independent films and worked with the author Stephen King with musician John Mellencamp and producer T Bone Burnett on their production “Ghost Brothers of Darkland County” as a vocal coach and a copyist working on the scores. I have been featured in a “Finale” blog for my work on this production.
From there a friend of mine who works with Elton John called me about an opportunity to become an Executive Director at a fairly large fine arts center. Other than serving on some nonprofit boards, I didn’t know much about fundraising or running a large nonprofit. I did know however, how to run and grow a successful business. My friend said this fine arts center was tired and the board was looking for someone to take the center to another level. And that we did.
Within five years we accomplished the board’s list of goals which included a capital campaign and large renovation project including building a state-of-the-art recording studio and two other historic buildings which all should have taken 10 years to complete. We recruited Grammy-winning mixing engineer Phil Tan to be our artist in residence and he mixed onsite albums such as Coldplay’s “Adventures of a Lifetime,” along with hits from Fifth Harmony, Mariah Carey and other artists.
This began my love for fundraising helping communities in need and a continued work in film and entertainment. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Film Composing and should finish my MBA in 2023 to pursue higher education teaching opportunities in the future. I have served for 7 years on the Recording Academy Board (also known as the Grammy Organization) for the Atlanta Chapter holding the “Composer Seat” and have been a voting member of the Academy for over 35 years. I currently Co-Chair the Entertainment, Arts & Sports Committee for the United States Intellectual Property Alliance (USIPA) and also serve on the Advisory Boards for the Atlanta Film Festival and Georgia State University’s School of Music. I am an alum of Leadership Atlanta, Leadership DeKalb, and Leadership Sandy Springs and have performed all over the world as a solo artist and in bands which include performances with President George Bush Sr. as a speaker and with celebrity artists such as Mickey Thomas (Starship), Jeff Carlisi (38 Special), Jenny McCarthy, and others. I have coached artists and groups like MoNique, Larkin Poe, Starbenders, and local celebrities such as Joe Gransden and Brandon Bush (Sugarland, Train) to name a few.
I formed Pendulum-Productions offering post-production musical services and also am the Vice President of External Affairs for GO Media Productions, an independent film company developing scripts and projects. I enjoy also working and serving in the community and working in Giving and Grants for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. I serve at my church and continue to perform from time to time. My life is happy and full, and I have a wonderful husband, daughter, and grandson.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Many many struggles throughout my career as an Asian woman and usually struggles in business and projects. I pride myself in my work ethic and problem-solving skills. I may not be the smartest or most talented but I can outwork others and I am resilient, tenacious and never give up. Work can take a toll on my health and I try to be more balanced today than in years past with taking care of myself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am multi-faceted… Artist, Musician, Composer, Performer, Producer, Entreprenuer, Advocate for the Arts and the Disadvantaged, Fundraiser.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
– Not to take things personally and to understand we all have unique vantage points and perceptions. – Diversity in the workplace from race to ideas and strategies makes for a better and more successful company, nonprofit, and project.
– Always speak up and defend the defenseless
– Success is continually growing, changing, and reinventing oneself – don’t hold onto the past.
– Celebrate the wins and give yourself grace. Life is messy, people get their feelings hurt, and try and do your best. We are going to offend but try and do the best we can and learn the art of saying “I’m sorry” to others and to yourself.
– Try to leave places, projects, and companies better than when you arrived. We can’t take our titles and wealth with us when we die. Do your best to make the world a better place and enjoy the journey – all of it.
– Accept the things you can change and things you cannot change and try and keep balance in all things.
Contact Info:
- Website: peggystilljohnson.com pendulum-productions.com GOMedia.productions
- Other: Spotify Radio Peggy Still Johnson: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1E4FnX3zGOd0kR
Image Credits
Peggy Still Johnson Ola Onabule Mickey Thomas T Bone Burnett Bernie and Heather Taupin Pendulum-Productions Scott Johnson, Congressman John Lewis BandX (left to right, back to front): Ronnie Beshers, Peggy Still Johnson, Rick Litzenberger, Jeff Wah, Michael Drinan, Marcella Richardson, David Cole
Erik Bennett
