Claude Joseph Johnson

Claude Joseph ("Dr. C. J.") Johnson (May 16, 1913 – July 20, 1990) was an American gospel music singing preacher and pastor.

Biography He was born on May 16, 1913, in Douglasville, Georgia, the son of Will and Cora Reid Johnson. The family moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1916. His mother died when he was young, and he with his elder and younger sister were raised by his paternal grandmother, Sarah Farley Johnson. His father, Will, was a shape note teacher in Georgia in the 1920s and 1930s.

He first acted as pastor at the age of 12 at the Antioch Baptist Church in Barnesville, Georgia. His 1970 recording of "I Wanna Go Where Jesus Is" was a gold-selling record.

Partial discography 1965You Better Run. The title track is otherwise known as "I'm Gonna Run to the City of Refuge" 1971Save a Seat for Me 1988My Father's Work 1990Father I Stretch My Hand to Thee 1990It's a Sin to Gamble 1990I Love Jesus 1995The Old Time Song Service