J. C. Johnson, born Jay Cee Johnson on September 14, 1896, in Chicago, Illinois, was an American pianist and songwriter renowned for his collaborations with Fats Waller and Bessie Smith. He moved to New York City in the early 1920s and began his career as a session pianist with singer Ethel Waters, who recorded his first song, "You Can't Do What My Last Man Did," in 1923. Johnson expanded into songwriting, working with lyricists like Henry Creamer and Andy Razaf. His song "Trav'lin All Alone" was recorded by numerous artists, including Billie Holiday.

By 1928, Johnson was collaborating with Fats Waller, contributing lyrics to Waller's music. He was involved in a unique inter-racial musical collaboration with Eddie Lang and Lonnie Johnson, known as "Blind Willie Dunn & His Gin Bottle Four." Johnson's compositions were recorded by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Connie Boswell, and Mamie Smith. He also led his own band, J.C. Johnson and his Five Hot Sparks.

In 1930, Johnson wrote the Broadway musical Change Your Luck, and he achieved success with songs for Bessie Smith, including "Black Mountain Blues" and "Empty Bed Blues." He co-wrote "The Joint Is Jumpin'" with Waller and Razaf. During World War II, Johnson volunteered as an ambulance driver and co-wrote "Yankee Doodle Tan" with Razaf, honoring African American soldiers.

Johnson passed away on February 27, 1981, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy of influential jazz and blues compositions.