NEW BRUNSWICK -- Jazz pianist and composer James Johnson was born in New Brunswick on Feb. 1, 1894. According to biography.com, he was "a key figure in musical transition from ragtime to jazz, but is still often skipped in musical history." The site notes that Johnson "pioneered the 'stride' style of jazz piano and became famous for his hit 'Carolina...
NEW BRUNSWICK -- Jazz pianist and composer James Johnson was born in New Brunswick on Feb. 1, 1894.
According to biography.com, he was "a key figure in musical transition from ragtime to jazz, but is still often skipped in musical history."
The site notes that Johnson "pioneered the 'stride' style of jazz piano and became famous for his hit 'Carolina Shout.'"
Johnson, who died in 1955, was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970 and the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1980.
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Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.
