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: Jelly Roll Morton —
Jelly Roll Morton did not invent jazz, whatever he claimed — but he may have been one of its first true ambassadors, carrying original music across the country years before the first jazz record. Hear his Red Hot Peppers play “Original Jelly-Roll Blues.” - Artist Spotlight: Art Tatum —
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.”