James P. Johnson

piano, composition · 1894–1955 · New Brunswick (New Jersey)

Pioneer and chief founder of Harlem stride piano, he made the transition from ragtime to jazz with "Carolina Shout" (1921) and composed "The Charleston" (1923). Favorite accompanist of Bessie Smith and Ethel Waters, he also wrote concert works such as Yamekraw (1928).

Profile not yet validated. Written by Jazzency, not yet proofread: dates and facts to be confirmed.

Styles

• Stride (Harlem piano)
• Ragtime

Landmark tracks

• Carolina Shout (1921)
• Snowy Morning Blues (1927)

Sources

• Source

Facts checked against these pages (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA). Method and licenses