James P. Johnson

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. Johnson was a major influence on Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Art Tatum, Thelonious Monk, and Fats Waller, who was his student.

Not to be confused with other people named James Johnson, or with his near-contemporary J. C. Johnson.
For the U.S. congressman from Colorado, see James Paul 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
Instrument(s)Piano
Years active1912–1955

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."

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