James P. Johnson
James P. Johnson (born James Price Johnson, also known as Jimmy Johnson, February 1, 1894 – November 17, 1955) was an American pianist and composer.
Discovering the Legendary Music of James P. Johnson
If you love Jazz, then you should be familiar with James P. Johnson, aka the Father of Stride Piano. The United States declared a National Historic Landmark in recognition of James P. Johnson’s contribution to the music industry. Johnson’s art, which spans several decades, has influenced and inspired countless artists. In this article, we’ll take a journey and explore the musical biography, genre, best songs, famous concerts, and critic reviews of James P. Johnson.
James P. Johnson began his music journey in the early 1900s as a pianist and composer. He was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1894. His musical talent became evident when he composed his first piano arrangement, The Snowy Morning Blues, at the age of eleven. He worked with legendary jazz luminaries like Bessie Smith and Blue Lu Barker and even collaborated with George Gershwin on The Yankee Doodle Blues. James P. Johnson played Stride Piano, a piano style known for its rhythm and swing. He was recognized for his ability to improvise and create music on the spot, drawing inspiration from other musicians and his life experiences.
Johnson's music genre can be described as a fusion of ragtime and jazz with a classical influence. His style was characterized by elaborate rhythms, complex harmonies, and intricate melodies. He introduced the concept of harmonic sophistication. Additionally, he was known for incorporating call and response style into his music.
Some of the best songs by James P. Johnson include Carolina Shout, If Dreams Come True, Snowy Morning Blues, and Keep Off The Grass. These tracks showcase how he amplifies the depth and richness of Jazz through his unique style and improvisational methods. His skill on the keyboard and ability to deliver scorching solos earned him the title Father of Stride Piano.
James P. Johnson had several performances that defined his music career. One of his most famous concerts took place in Harlem's Rose Theater in 1944, where he performed Yamekraw: A Negro Rhapsody in Concert Form. The performance was a tribute to his African American heritage and was inspired by the Yamacraw Indians of South Carolina. The concert was a raving success.
Critics have praised James P. Johnson and his contribution to the music industry. During his heyday, critics acknowledged his significant influence on Jazz music and the way he mashed together harmonies. John Hammond, a jazz historian, described James P. Johnson as the greatest stride pianist and composer he has ever heard.
In conclusion, James P. Johnson’s artistry had a profound impact on American music, particularly Jazz. His ability to improvise and create music on the spot influenced generations of musicians. His musical legacy is still celebrated today and his influence seen in the works of modern-day pianists. He will always be remembered as the Father of Stride Piano. Listen to his songs and experience the musical magic of James P. Johnson.
In conclusion, James P. Johnson’s artistry had a profound impact on American music, particularly Jazz. His ability to improvise and create music on the spot influenced generations of musicians. His musical legacy is still celebrated today and his influence seen in the works of modern-day pianists. He will always be remembered as the Father of Stride Piano. Listen to his songs and experience the musical magic of James P. Johnson.
Discovering the Legendary Music of James P. Johnson
If you love Jazz, then you should be familiar with James P. Johnson, aka the Father of Stride Piano. The United States declared a National Historic Landmark in recognition of James P. Johnson’s contribution to the music industry. Johnson’s art, which spans several decades, has influenced and inspired countless artists. In this article, we’ll take a journey and explore the musical biography, genre, best songs, famous concerts, and critic reviews of James P. Johnson.
James P. Johnson began his music journey in the early 1900s as a pianist and composer. He was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1894. His musical talent became evident when he composed his first piano arrangement, The Snowy Morning Blues, at the age of eleven. He worked with legendary jazz luminaries like Bessie Smith and Blue Lu Barker and even collaborated with George Gershwin on The Yankee Doodle Blues. James P. Johnson played Stride Piano, a piano style known for its rhythm and swing. He was recognized for his ability to improvise and create music on the spot, drawing inspiration from other musicians and his life experiences.
Johnson's music genre can be described as a fusion of ragtime and jazz with a classical influence. His style was characterized by elaborate rhythms, complex harmonies, and intricate melodies. He introduced the concept of harmonic sophistication. Additionally, he was known for incorporating call and response style into his music.
Some of the best songs by James P. Johnson include Carolina Shout, If Dreams Come True, Snowy Morning Blues, and Keep Off The Grass. These tracks showcase how he amplifies the depth and richness of Jazz through his unique style and improvisational methods. His skill on the keyboard and ability to deliver scorching solos earned him the title Father of Stride Piano.
James P. Johnson had several performances that defined his music career. One of his most famous concerts took place in Harlem's Rose Theater in 1944, where he performed Yamekraw: A Negro Rhapsody in Concert Form. The performance was a tribute to his African American heritage and was inspired by the Yamacraw Indians of South Carolina. The concert was a raving success.
Critics have praised James P. Johnson and his contribution to the music industry. During his heyday, critics acknowledged his significant influence on Jazz music and the way he mashed together harmonies. John Hammond, a jazz historian, described James P. Johnson as the greatest stride pianist and composer he has ever heard.
In conclusion, James P. Johnson’s artistry had a profound impact on American music, particularly Jazz. His ability to improvise and create music on the spot influenced generations of musicians. His musical legacy is still celebrated today and his influence seen in the works of modern-day pianists. He will always be remembered as the Father of Stride Piano. Listen to his songs and experience the musical magic of James P. Johnson.
In conclusion, James P. Johnson’s artistry had a profound impact on American music, particularly Jazz. His ability to improvise and create music on the spot influenced generations of musicians. His musical legacy is still celebrated today and his influence seen in the works of modern-day pianists. He will always be remembered as the Father of Stride Piano. Listen to his songs and experience the musical magic of James P. Johnson.
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LISTEN THE BEST JAMES P. JOHNSON SONGS IN STREAMING
2022-11-01
The Musical Biography of James P. Johnson: His Life, Legacy, and Songs That Defined an Era
When it comes to the roots and origins of jazz music, one name that often comes up is James P. Johnson. Being the father of stride piano, his musical legacy is a vital part of the evolution of jazz music. He was a prolific composer, pianist, and arranger who pushed the boundaries of the musical genre. His influence on music is something that can still be seen and felt today, even as we celebrate the centenary of his most famous songs. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the life, legacy, and songs of James P. Johnson.
Early Life and Beginnings
Fondly known as 'Jimmy' by his friends and family, Johnson was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1894. At the tender age of nine, he began to play the piano, taking music lessons from his mother. Later on, he moved to New York City and became famous in the Harlem Renaissance era for his amazing ability to play jazz music on the piano.
Career Highlights
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Johnson went on to record some of his most famous musical pieces, with most of them being improvised. One such composition was Charleston. It was a swing-infused piano ragtime that became a hit among the young crowds of New York City. In the 1940s, he scored a huge success with 'Yamekraw,' a symphony that was inspired by the people and sounds of Charleston.
Musical Style and Influences
As someone who honed his skills in Harlem, New York, Johnson's music style combined elements of classical music, ragtime, and church hymns to create a unique blend of jazz music. He was also heavily influenced by the Carnegie Hall performances of classical pianist Franz Liszt, which Johnson attended as a young man.
Legacy
Legacy
Although he may have been overshadowed by other jazz figures of his time, Johnson's influence on jazz music is undeniable. His music laid the foundation for future jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Fats Waller. He also played a vital role in popularizing jazz music during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond.
James P. Johnson was a pioneer of jazz music, whose contributions continue to influence the music genre today. As we look back at his life, music, and legacy, we can see the impact he has had on jazz music's evolution. Despite facing much discrimination and roadblocks, he pressed on with his passion for music, believing in the power of jazz to bring people together. It's safe to say that Johnson's music will continue to inspire future generations of jazz musicians, and we can't wait to see where it goes from here.
Early Life and Beginnings
Fondly known as 'Jimmy' by his friends and family, Johnson was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1894. At the tender age of nine, he began to play the piano, taking music lessons from his mother. Later on, he moved to New York City and became famous in the Harlem Renaissance era for his amazing ability to play jazz music on the piano.
Career Highlights
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Johnson went on to record some of his most famous musical pieces, with most of them being improvised. One such composition was Charleston. It was a swing-infused piano ragtime that became a hit among the young crowds of New York City. In the 1940s, he scored a huge success with 'Yamekraw,' a symphony that was inspired by the people and sounds of Charleston.
Musical Style and Influences
As someone who honed his skills in Harlem, New York, Johnson's music style combined elements of classical music, ragtime, and church hymns to create a unique blend of jazz music. He was also heavily influenced by the Carnegie Hall performances of classical pianist Franz Liszt, which Johnson attended as a young man.
Legacy
Legacy
Although he may have been overshadowed by other jazz figures of his time, Johnson's influence on jazz music is undeniable. His music laid the foundation for future jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Fats Waller. He also played a vital role in popularizing jazz music during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond.
James P. Johnson was a pioneer of jazz music, whose contributions continue to influence the music genre today. As we look back at his life, music, and legacy, we can see the impact he has had on jazz music's evolution. Despite facing much discrimination and roadblocks, he pressed on with his passion for music, believing in the power of jazz to bring people together. It's safe to say that Johnson's music will continue to inspire future generations of jazz musicians, and we can't wait to see where it goes from here.
Tag: James P. Johnson, musical biography, best songs, playlist
SONGS OF JAMES P. JOHNSON - THE BEST SONGS OF THE ARTIST
1 - Unknown Blues (by Fletcher Henderson)
2 - Keep Off the Grass
3 - You've Got to Be Modernistic
4 - Honeysuckle Rose
5 - Riffs
6 - Carolina Shout
7 - Snowy Morning Blues
8 - Jingles
9 - Liza
10 - Old Fashioned Love
11 - Fascination
12 - Sugar
13 - Roumania
14 - Innovation
15 - Charleston
16 - If I Could Be With You (one Hour Tonight)
17 - Twilight Rag
18 - Crying For The Carolines
19 - I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter
20 - The Harlem Strut
21 - Mule Walk (stomp)
22 - What Is This Thing Called Love?
23 - Steeplechase Rag
24 - Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now
25 - Daintiness Rag
26 - A Porter's Love Song
27 - Sweet Lorraine
28 - Jungle Drums
DISCOGRAPHY OF JAMES P. JOHNSON
1994: Ragtime
1991: Snowy Morning Blues
1975: Charleston
1946: Fats Waller Favorites