James P. Johnson

James P. Johnson
Background information
Birth nameJames Price Johnson
Born(1894-02-01)February 1, 1894
New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S.
DiedNovember 17, 1955(1955-11-17) (aged 61)
Jamaica, Queens, New York City, U.S.
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)Composer, musician
InstrumentPiano
Years active1912–1955

James Price Johnson (February 1, 1894 – November 17, 1955) was an American pianist and composer. A pioneer of stride piano, he was one of the most important pianists in the early era of recording, and like Jelly Roll Morton, one of the key figures in the evolution of ragtime into what was eventually called jazz.[1] Johnson was a major influence on Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Art Tatum, Thelonious Monk, and Fats Waller, who was his student.[2]

Johnson composed many hit songs, including the unofficial anthem of the Roaring Twenties, "The Charleston", and he remained the acknowledged king of New York jazz pianists through most of the 1930s. Johnson's artistry, influence on early popular music, and contributions to musical theatre are often overlooked, and as such, he has been referred to by musicologist David Schiff as "The Invisible Pianist."[3]

  1. ^ Porter, Lewis (May 3, 2019). "Deep Dive: Putting Louis Armstrong in Context". Wbgo. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  2. ^ "James P. Johnson | American composer and pianist". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  3. ^ Schiff, David (February 16, 1992). "POP MUSIC; A Pianist With Harlem on His Mind". The New York Times. Retrieved April 21, 2020.

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