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James Price Johnson ( February 1, 1894 - November 17, 1955) was a pianist and composer. With Luckey Roberts, Johnson was one of the originators of the stride style of piano playing.Johnson was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey. His family moved to New York City in 1908. His first professional engagement was at Coney Island in 1912.
Johnson's tune "Charleston" (which debuted in the Broadway show Runnin' Wild in 1923Centuries: 19th century 20th century 21st century Decades: 1870s 1880s 1890s 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s Years: 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 Events January 1 Grouping of all UK railway companies into four larg, although by some accounts Johnson had written it years earlier) became one of the most popular tunes and arguably the definitive dance number of the Roaring 1920sCenturies: 19th century 20th century 21st century Decades: 1870s 1880s 1890s 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s Years: 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 Events and trends Technology John Logie Baird invents the first working t. His other hits included "You've Got to Be Modernistic", "Keep Off the Grass", "Old Fashioned Love", "A Porter's Love Song to a Chambermaid", "Carolina Shout", "If I Could Be With You (One Hour Tonight)", and "Snowy Morning Blues". He wrote music in many styles, including waltzThe waltz is a dance in 3/4 time, done primarily in closed position, the commonest basic figure of which is a full turn in two measures using three steps per measure. It first became fashionable in Vienna in about the 1780s, then spread to many other counes, balletBallet is the name given to a specfic dance form and technique. Dance works choreographed using this techique are called ballets and may include; dance, mime, acting and music ( orchestral and sung). Ballets can be performed alone or as part of an opera., symphonic pieces and light operaCharles Garnier's Opera, Paris, opened 1875 Opera is an art form consisting of a dramatic stage performance set to music. The drama is presented using the typical elements of theater such as scenery, costumes, and acting. However, the words of the opera,; sadly, many of these ambitious, long-form pieces are presumed lost.
James P. Johnson served as mentor to Fats WallerFats Waller ( May 21, 1904 December 15, 1943) was a jazz pianist, organist, composer and comedic entertainer. African American by race, he was born Thomas Wright Waller in New York City. Waller studied classical piano and organ before apprenticing himself. He was also an influence on such other pianists as Count BasieWilliam "Count" Basie ( August 21, 1904 April 26, 1984) was a jazz pianist, organist, and bandleader. Basie was born in Red Bank, New Jersey. His father, Harvey Lee Basie, worked as coachman for a wealthy family. After automobiles replaced horses, his fat, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Art Tatum, and even Thelonious Monk. He was a sensitive accompanist; Johnson often recorded with Bessie Smith, and was reportedly her favorite pianist.
Beginning in the 1930's, Johnson was intermitently retired due to several strokes. When he returned to active perfoming in the early 1940's, he demonstrated his adaptability by leading a small swing group and performing regularly with Eddie Condon.
Johnson permanently retired from performing after a severe stroke in 1951. He died in Jamaica, New York.
