Jimmie Johnson & His Orchestra-You've Got To Be Modernistic

James Price Johnson (1894-1955) is being acknowledged as the "Grandfather of Hot Piano". He originated and perfectionated the so-called Stride style, and was a successful composer and recording artist. Besides, he was an outstanding accompanist, performing with vocalists like Ida Cox, Ethel Waters and Bessie Smith. He also wrote songs and scored revues and musicals alongside lyricists Henry Creamer, Andy Razaf and R.C. McPherson, composing several famous standards, including "If I Could Be with You (One Hour Tonight)," "A Porter’s Love Song to a Chambermaid" and the song that helped popularize the homonymous dance craze, "Charleston." Johnson taught Duke Ellington and Fats Waller and influenced many younger jazz pianists. This brilliant recording was made in 1929, with the Keep Shufflin' Trio.