Growing Up
Born January 22th, 1961, Daniel Johnston grew up in West Virginia. The Johnston family moved to Austin, Texas, a bit later on in Daniel’s life. His mother, Mabel Johnston, says that she noticed that he was different from the start. She says that he was a smart baby and would squeal at her as if he was communicating. He was the youngest of five children, so he was pampered by them.
Source: Screenshot / Sony Classic
His parents didn’t notice any special talents at that point, or that there was anything wrong with him. In school, he was put in the highest-level classes. His teacher wasn’t happy with this as she claimed that he didn’t follow directions. Although high-level classes are for smarter people and don’t always have anything to do with who pays attention. In Junior High, his mother claims that he lost all his confidence.
And that was the beginning of his illness…