TOM JOHNSON served as chief executive officer of two of America's most respected news organizations, the Los Angeles Times and CNN. Part of the first White House Fellows class, he eventually became assistant press secretary under Bill Moyers, then assistant to President Lyndon B. Johnson, following LBJ back to Texas after he left office. He is a recipient of several awards, including the Horatio Alger Award, Ten Outstanding Young Americans, the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, and the Paul White Award, to name a few. In 2006, he also received the John Gardner Legacy of Leadership Award by the White House Fellows for lifetime achievement in public service. A native of Macon, Georgia, and graduate of the University of Georgia and Harvard Business School, Johnson lives in Atlanta with his wife Edwina.

I've been waiting for this memoir from Tom Johnson for more than fifty years. Tom knew Lyndon B. Johnson as few others did, and that deep knowledge is on full display in this warm, humorous, and penetrating portrait of this giant figure. And that captivating image of LBJ is matched by insightful writing of the two other larger than life figures that Tom worked for--Otis Chandler at the Los Angeles Times and Ted Turner at CNN. What a remarkable life! What a remarkable story!--Doris Kearns Goodwin "presidential historian, LBJ presidential advisor, and prizewinning author"

My pal, Tom Johnson, made an indelible mark on CNN while serving as president from 1990 to 2001. He stood for the best of cable news, the best of journalism, and the best of humankind. A treasured and trusted leader and a kind and connected mentor who embodied the journalistic principles of truth, integrity, and quality, Tom helped advance CNN's revolutionary approach to news coverage with a looking glass to the world. He moved the needle on how wars were covered-inspiring a gold standard for democracy and greater cultural understanding.--Ted Turner "founder of CNN, philanthropist, and conservationist"

Tom Johnson has written a fascinating book. I read every word and am so glad I did. He's done brilliantly. There is one interesting story after another.--Don Graham "former publisher of the Washington Post"

Tom Johnson is the best leader in CNN and Los Angeles Times history.--Robert Allbritton "founder of Politico"

It's my immense privilege to have known Tom Johnson for over 50 years. I have enormous respect for his career in journalism and in public service. The core of that respect is trust in a man who exemplified excellence, integrity, patriotism, and heart.--William Webster "former FBI director and former CIA Director"

President Johnson invested more confidence in the young man from Georgia and Harvard than he did anyone else on his White House staff, and it is no coincidence that Tom Johnson wound up writing this insider's account of LBJ's most crucial moments. This is a fascinating and valuable read.--Bill Moyers "former White House press secretary"

This book reveals Tom Johnson's journey from Old South Macon, Georgia, to New World Visionary with a reflection of Heaven in his heart and mind. He sees what is and what could be.--Andrew Young "activist and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations"

After former President Lyndon Johnson's death at his ranch in Texas, Tom Johnson, with the help of the funeral home staff, dressed the late president in his favorite suit, tie, and silver star pin in his lapel. The depth of intimacy is what distinguishes Driven, which provides an unrivaled look into the workings of late twentieth-century politics and journalism.--Landon Parvin "speechwriter for Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush"

Tom Johnson has lived and worked at the heartbeat of history, and the value and originality of his memoirs are self-evident. This book offers fresh, new details and insight into some of the most historic events of the late twentieth century.--Ashton G. Ellett "Director, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies"

Publisher: University of Georgia Press

Pub date: 2025-10-01

Length: 368 pages