---
title: "James P. Johnson | American Jazz Museum"
description: "James P. Johnson (1894–1955). Pianist and composer, the father of Harlem stride piano, who wrote “Carolina Shout” and “Charleston.”"
canonical: https://americanjazzmuseum.org/artist-spotlights/artists/james-p-johnson/
---

Artist Spotlights

# James P. Johnson

1894–1955. Pianist and composer, the father of Harlem stride piano, who wrote “Carolina Shout” and “Charleston.”

## Mentioned in

*   [Artist Spotlight: Art Tatum](/artist-spotlights/art-tatum-in-harlem/) — October 20, 2026  
    Soon after Art Tatum reached New York in 1932, Harlem’s stride masters tested the young pianist from Toledo at a late-night session. Hear his 1933 recording of “Tea for Two.”

[All Artist Spotlights](/artist-spotlights/)