ABSTRACT
American jazz pianist, born in New Brunswick, New Jersey. In 1908 his family moved to New York, where he studied piano, and had some guidance from Eubie Blake. He played in New York Black clubs, and became known for a driving style and “shout” pieces. As early as 1917 Johnson made some piano rolls, and in 1921 he was on disc in “Harlem Strut” (Black Swan 2026; 1921), and “Keep Off the Grass” with “Carolina Shout” (Okeh 4495; 1921). These were his own compositions, among the more than 200 he wrote and performed. He also composed large works, including “Yamecraw” for piano and orchestra, performed in Carnegie Hall by Fats Waller in 1927.
