Happy Birthday, James P. Johnson

The great stride pianist James P. Johnson (1894-1956) was born on February 1, 1894, in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Johnson, one of the giants of the Harlem Stride piano style and a key figure in the transition from ragtime to jazz, grew up listening to the ragtime music of Scott Joplin and composed a number of hit tunes, including "The Charleston." His style differed from ragtime by featuring a more freely swinging rhythm, a degree of anticipation of the left hand by the right hand, elements of the blues, more complex harmonies, and the beginnings of improvisation.

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends Johnson's album, "The Original James P. Johnson" (Folkways).  Jim Determan also recommends his "Snowy Morning Blues" (Verve) and "Father of the Stride Piano" (Sony).

• "The Original James P. Johnson" (Folkways).  (Purchase the album from Amazon.com.)
• "Snowy Morning Blues" (Verve).  (Purchase the album from Amazon.com.)
• "Father of the Stride Piano" (Sony).  (Purchase the album from Amazon.com.)

Johnson plays "The Charleston" here:

Robert
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