James Johnson

James Johnson (bapt. 1753 – 26 February 1811) was a Scottish engraver, publisher and music seller known for his connection with the songbook The Scots Musical Museum and the poet Robert Burns.

Life Johnson was born in the Ettrick Valley, the third of four children to Bessie Bleck and James Johnstan, a herdsman.

He died in Edinburgh on 26 February 1811 and a public appeal was made for support for his widow in March 1819.

The Scots Musical Museum

Johnson had a plan for a two-volume collection of Scottish, Irish and English songs, when he met Robert Burns. The nature of the project then changed: its scope was restricted to Scottish songs, and the number of volumes rose to six, produced from 1787 to 1803. The success of the conception was not matched by financial security for Johnson. Burns contributed 184 pieces; some were original, including many of his best-known lyrics, and others were alterations of or derived from old ballads. Prefaces to some of the volumes were by Burns, who in effect edited the work. Johnson tried pewter plates to cut down the production costs. Burns produced an interleaved version of the Museum of the first four volumes for Robert Riddell.