Artist:J.J. Johnson
Song:My Funny Valentine
Album:Proof Positive
J.J. Johnson was an important figure in jazz as he was the first bebop trombone player. So he was not only a tremendous musician but very influential. He was born Jan. 22, 1924 in Indianapolis. After studying piano as a child, Johnson took up the trombone as a teen. He started out in the early 40s with Clarence Love and then Snookum Russell. And it was in Russell's band that Johnson met trumpeter and bebop pioneer Fats Navarro who influenced Johnson to play like Lester Young. Johnson was in Benny Carter's orchestra from 1942-45. While in that band, he was part of the first Jazz at the Philharmonic concert. Though the trombone was a big part of dixieland and swing, it fell out of favor with bebop musicians. With the encouragement of Dizzy Gillespie, Johnson changed all that. He played on Charlie Parker's Dial sessions and with Max Roach, Sonny Stitt and Bud Powell. Johnson first recorded as a leader in 1949. His big break came when Savoy Records producer Ozzie Cadena paired Johnson with Kai Winding as a trombone duo. They were very successful for the next couple of years and this established Johnson as a live draw. Johnson led his own bands through the 60s. His late 50s recordings with Columbia were very successful. This recording of the standard My Funny Valentine is from the 1964 album Proof Positive. Johnson had previously recorded My Funny Valentine with Stan Getz. This album was Johnson's only album on Impulse. GRP released it on CD in 1994 with a bonus track. Musicians are Harold Mabern on piano, Arthur Harper Jr. on bass and Frank Gant on drums. Mabern was a member of the Art Farmer Benny Golson Jazztet. Harper had previously worked with Johnson and Sonny Stitt. Gant was in Ahmad Jamal's band. Johnson moved to Los Angeles in 1966 to become a studio musician. He worked in films and TV. Film scores include Cleopatra Jones and Willie Dynamite. Johnson returned to performing and recording in 1987. He continued to tour until he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2000. Johnson died when he shot himself on Feb. 4, 2001 at age 77. Here's J.J. Johnson performing My Funny Valentine at the 1991 Concord Jazz Festival in Japan.
I am sorry to read of his very sad ending. Such a talented musician. I was told growing up the Trombone was a tough instrument to master, so he had talent. Cancer is very bad and prostrate is deadly. Known to many people in my lifetime that have died from various forms of cancer. Its ugly and a painful way to die. For him and his family I am sorry. Rest in Peace sir. David.
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