J. J. Johnson
J. J. Johnson, born James Louis Johnson on January 22, 1924, in Indianapolis, Indiana, was a pioneering American jazz trombonist, composer, and arranger. Known for his mastery of the bebop style, Johnson was one of the first trombonists to adapt the instrument to the fast tempos and complex chord progressions of bebop, earning him the nickname "the Charlie Parker of the trombone."
Johnson began his musical journey with piano lessons at age nine and switched to trombone at 14. He started his professional career in 1941 with Clarence Love's band and later joined Snookum Russell's band, where he met influential trumpeter Fats Navarro. Johnson's career took off when he played with Benny Carter's orchestra from 1942 to 1945, making his first recordings and solo performances during this period. He also played with Count Basie's band from 1945 to 1946.
Despite the trombone's decline in popularity among bebop musicians, Johnson's technical skill and innovative style gained recognition, leading to collaborations with jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis. In 1954, he formed the successful "Jay and Kai Quintet" with fellow trombonist Kai Winding, which highlighted the trombone's potential in modern jazz.
Johnson was also a prolific composer, creating works such as "El Camino Real" and "Perceptions," and contributed to film and television scores in the 1970s. After a brief retirement, he returned to performing full-time in the 1980s until his retirement in 1997. Johnson passed away on February 4, 2001, in Indianapolis, leaving a lasting impact on jazz music.
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