James Johnson Jr. (jazz drummer)
James "Jimmy" Johnson, Jr. | |
|---|---|
 Jimmy Johnson with student Alex Graf in June 2018. | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | James Johnson, Jr. |
| Born | January 20, 1930 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Drums |
| Years active | 1950s-70s |
| Associated acts | Duke Ellington, Percy Faith, George Benson, Jimmy Castor, Ben E. King, Mongo Santamaria, Yusef Lateef, Carly Simon, Steam (band) |
James "Jimmy" Johnson, Jr. (b. Jan. 20, 1930) is an American jazz drummer, noted for his precise timing, technique, and finesse. He is best known as a drummer for Duke Ellington and his orchestra, but has also performed with many other acts, including Percy Faith, George Benson, Ben E. King, and many others.[1]
Biography[edit]
Early Life[edit]
Johnson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to James Johnson, Sr. and his wife. Johnson's talent for rhythm was first noticed by his father, himself also a drummer who led a large jazz orchestra that performed in the Philadelphia area in the 1930s, '40s, and '50s with notable figures such as Dizzy Gillespie[2]. He began playing drums with his father in early childhood, and then studied musical theory, harmony, and classical drums at the Mastbaum Conservatory of Music. In his early adult years, Johnson additionally spent time as a member of the United States Army, where he played in the 63rd Army Band. Johnson's first teacher was a drummer with the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra. This training is undoubtedly responsible for the very musical approach he has to his instrument.
Jazz Career[edit]
Johnson honed his craft for over a decade as a member of a traveling jazz band that toured the eastern United States and Canada. During a break from one of the band's tours in 1959, Johnson was resting at his home in Philadelphia when he first received a call from Duke Ellington's manager, Al Sully. The call came to Johnson as quite a surprise, and he initially rejected it as a practical joke from one of his musician friends. Hours later, however, the manager called again, and asked Johnson to join Ellington's Orchestra. Johnson, then in his 20s, realized Sully was serious. He formally joined the band on Saturday, March 21st, 1959, and played the Philadelphia Academy of Music with Ellington the next night.[3][4]
Thus began a career with Ellington and his famed Orchestra spanning multiple years and countless performances. Johnson went on cross-country tours playing top clubs and prestigious jazz festivals, traveled to Europe for a special tour, playing city after city, traveling first-class and staying at fine hotels. Johnson's high profile attracted endorsements from top drum manufacturers such as Rogers Drums and Ludwig Drums.[5] Johnson was also with Ellington when he played the famous 1959 Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island. Describing the feeling of performing live for thousands of people, Johnson said: "It's electric. You are inspired. You know it when you've got them."[6]
Duael Fuel[edit]
Johnson had many career highlights, including recording a special drum battle written by Ellington for Johnson and fellow drummer Sam Woodyard, dubbed "Duael Fuel". Traditionally, Duke Ellington wrote material that he felt would best highlight the musical and technical abilities of the orchestra members. In keeping with this tradition, "Duael Fuel" was composed and successively introduced at the Playboy Jazz Festival. Two days before sailing for a European tour, the Ellington Orchestra recorded the highlights of the festival season. The Duael Fuel drum battle was released on the album, entitled, Festival Session, through the Columbia Records label. The battle was perhaps the first drum festival recorded in full stereophonic sound.[7]
The Ellington Suites[edit]
Johnson recorded "The Queen's Suite", written for Queen Elizabeth II by Duke Ellington and recorded from 1959 to 1972. The Suite was also performed live for the Queen during a special presentation.[8]
After Duke Ellington[edit]
After the European tour in 1963, Johnson decided to leave the Ellington Orchestra in pursuit of other musical involvement. He returned to New York City, where he formed a group of his own, called the "Jimmy Johnson Trio". The trio began a tour and was met with moderate national success. Johnson, however, had grown weary of being on the road, and disbanded the group and returned to New York to focus on studio recording, where he found himself being increasingly requested in recording studios throughout the area.
Television, Film, and Theatre[edit]
In addition to his membership in Ellington's orchestra and other jazz bands, Johnson performed on television and in theatre, and is cited as a recording artist for multiple film soundtracks. The following are lists of some of Johnson's most notable engagements.
Television[edit]
- Andy Williams Special
- Melba Moore/Clifton Davis Show
- Mike Wallace (PM East, PM West)
- Ed Sullivan Show
- One Life to Live (Soundtrack)
- Miller Beer "Jazz Concert" Commercial (on-camera)
With specific regard to the Miller Beer Commercial, Johnson has said that it was the single most profitable of all of his engagements, as it was recorded for the Super Bowl.
Film[edit]
- Anatomy of a Murder (full soundtrack)[9]
- Paris Blues[10]
Theatre[edit]
- But Never Jam Today (Vinnette Carroll) - Longacre Theatre, 1979
- Mahalia (Don Evans) - Hartman Theatre, Boston University
Influences, Technique and Style[edit]
As a young child, Johnson learned from his father the importance of musicianship and authenticity in the musical realm. When asked, Johnson often cites Philly Joe Jones, Max Roach, and his own father as personal influences on his technique and style. He is noted for his dexterity and control at quiet volumes, as well as for maintaining consistent time during difficult passages and breaks. He places great emphasis on "knowing where one is", and on prioritizing "taste" and "finesse" over power and speed.
Instruments[edit]
Johnson’s primary instrument was the drums. However, he also learned to play a variety of auxiliary percussion, including timpani and, most notably, the vibraharp. Before Johnson broke into the studio business, he did whatever possible to gain work, leading him to so he learn the vibraharp. He also studied musical composition during his time in the Mastbaum Conservatory music department, where he expressed great interest in being a multi-instrumentalist and arranger.
Personal Life[edit]
Johnson possesses a quiet and reserved demeanor, and is private about his personal life. He remains humble despite his achievements, but he knows his worth as a musician. Now formally retired, he and his wife live peacefully together. He is a private drum instructor, and his wife is a vocal coach for numerous pupils.
Photos[edit]
- Photos of Jimmy Johnson, Jr.
Discography[edit]
Below is a discography of selected notable credits for Jimmy Johnson, Jr.[11][12][13]
With Duke Ellington[edit]
- Live at the Blue Note [1959]
- Festival Session [1959]
- Blues in Orbit [1960]
- The Best of Duke Ellington (Pablo) [1980]
- Satin Doll (RCA) [1989]
- Jazz Collection: Live! At the Newport Jazz Festival '59 [1990]
With Mongo Santamaria[edit]
- Mongo '70 [1970]
- Up From the Roots [1972]
Assorted Artists[edit]
- Quincy Jones - The Quintessence [1962]
- Sun Ra - The Magic City [1965]
- Sun Ra - The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra, Vol. 1 [1965]
- Yusef Lateef - Suite 16 [1970]
- Yusef Lateef - The Gentle Giant [1972]
- Bo Diddley - Big Bad Bo [1974]
- Carly Simon - The Best of Carly Simon [1975]
- George Benson - Blue Benson [1976]
- George Benson - The Silver Collection [1984]
References[edit]
- ↑ "Jimmy Johnson (2)".
- ↑ https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Jazz-Leonard-Feather/dp/0517014211?tag=everybodywikien-20
- ↑ Greenwich Time, "Drummer Carries on Jazz Beat". April 12, 1999. Print.
- ↑ Vail, Ken (2002). Duke's Diary. ISBN 9780810841192. Search this book on
- ↑ Greenwich Time, "Drummer Carries on Jazz Beat". April 12, 1999. Print.
- ↑ Greenwich Time, "Drummer Carries on Jazz Beat". April 12, 1999. Print.
- ↑ "Jimmy Johnson (2)".
- ↑ "Jimmy Johnson (2)".
- ↑ Cinematic Online Soundtrack Review: Anatomy of a Murder by Duke Ellington. Review by Helen San, April 27 1999. Print.
- ↑ "Home".
- ↑ "Jimmy Johnson (2)".
- ↑ "Jimmy Johnson, Jr. | Credits".
- ↑ "SONG OF THE DAY: "FLIRTIBIRD"".
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