Caption
Pianist and composer, James P. Johnson.
Number
2985
Prompt
James P. Johnson's hands could move gracefully over the invisible piano keys in front of him. He could give a slight, knowing nod and a smile. The sheet music in the background could appear to have new notes gently writing themselves onto the staves.
Body
This stamp honors James P. Johnson (1894-1955), a pioneer of jazz piano. Johnson was a master of the Harlem stride style, characterized by its virtuosic left-hand "striding" between bass notes and chords. He was a prolific composer, writing not only jazz tunes but also symphonies and musical theater works. Johnson's influence can be heard in the playing of countless jazz pianists, including his famous pupil, Fats Waller.