February 1 - James P. Johnson (The Musical Birthday Series, 3rd Annual Cycle)

Previous posts for February 1st are here: Renata Tebaldi; Victor Herbert; George Beverly Shea (2020) and  James P. Johnson; Clara Butt (2021)

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James P. Johnson (1 February 1894 – 17 November 1955) was an American pianist and composer who was important in the development of jazz.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Followers

Putting all his fears aside,

James P. Johnson mastered stride,

With left hand leaps so quick and wide

He couldn’t see them if he tried,

And instinct was his only guide

The style which he exemplified,

And which recordings codified,

Could not, of course, be simplified,

And pianists (who were terrified)

Practiced, labored, slogged, and sighed,

And learned it as a point of pride.

 

 

 

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