James P. Johnson

James P. Johnson, born James Price Johnson, was a titan of early 20th-century American music, renowned for his virtuosity on the piano and his pioneering role in the development of jazz. Dubbed the 'Father of Stride Piano', Johnson's innovative style laid the groundwork for the evolution of ragtime into jazz, influencing a generation of musicians, including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Thelonious Monk. His most iconic composition, 'The Charleston', encapsulates the spirit of the Roaring Twenties and remains a staple of the genre. Johnson's career spanned over four decades, during which he composed, performed, and mentored, leaving an indelible mark on the world of jazz. His recordings, particularly those from the 1940s, offer a captivating glimpse into the genius of a man who was arguably the most important black musician in New York during the 1920s.