The Johnson Sisters
The Johnson Sisters are Sweet Adelines International's 1948 International Quartet Champions.
Quartet Members
Winning Members:
- Tenor: Ruby Johnson
- Lead: Irene Bergman
- Bari: Stella Berg
- Bass: Harriet St. Leger
Contest Placement
Internationals
- 1947 - 2nd (Tulsa, OK)
- 1948 - 1st (Topeka, KS)
Regional (R03)
From: Chicago, IL
Recordings
*The Johnson Sisters - Singing Old Time Favorites (Columbia Records, 1950)
- Garden of Roses
- Oklahoma Indian Jazz
- Mandy 'N Me
- When It's Apple Blossom Time in Normandy
- Goodbye, Rose
- That Ragtime Regimental Band
- Remembering - The Johnson Sisters - The Way it Was 1928-1995 (audio cassette - 1995)
- Remembering - The Johnson Sisters (Video compilation - 1995)
Extended History
These four sisters grew up singing together and in 1939 entered their first barbershop contest - a men's contest in Chicago. They became famous in barbershopping circles, performing extensively, and were the first women's quartet to release a record album, just prior to their retirement in 1950. The Johnson Sisters placed second at the 1947 Sweet Adeline convention; they went home to Chicago and founded the Chicago #1 Chapter of Sweet Adelines. The quartet was named national champions at the second Sweet Adelines convention and competition in Topeka, Kansas, 1948. Their winning songs were Mandy and Me and Apple Blossom Time in Normandy.
Individual Histories
- Harriet (b1903, d1997) --
- Stella (b1912, d1980) --
- Irene (b1913, d1997) --
- Ruby (b1915, d1998) --
External Sites
- Sweet Adelines International website: The Johnson Sisters