Bjørn Johansen (musician) facts for kids

Bjørn John Johansen (born May 23, 1940 – died May 6, 2002) was a very important jazz musician from Norway. He played many instruments, including different types of saxophones (baritone, tenor, and alto), clarinet, and flute. Bjørn Johansen was known for his amazing recordings and for working with musicians from all over the world. He inspired many other Norwegian saxophonists, including the famous Jan Garbarek.

Bjørn Johansen's Music Career

Bjørn Johansen was born in Fredrikstad, Norway. He loved the music of John Coltrane, another famous jazz saxophonist. Bjørn joined many different bands and orchestras early in his career. He played with groups led by Gunnar Brostigen and Kjell Karlsen.

He also worked with many well-known jazz artists. These included Karin Krog, Bernt Rosengren, and George Gruntz. Bjørn Johansen was a key part of the jazz scene in Norway. He played in his own bands, like the Kapstad/Johansen Quartet. This group released an album called Friends in 1980.

Later, his band, the Bjørn Johansen Quartet, released Dear Henrik in 1984. Bjørn also put out a solo album called Take One in 1987. This album featured the talented pianist Cedar Walton. Take One was a big success and won a major award. Bjørn Johansen also wrote his own music, which was published in 2004. He passed away in Oslo when he was 61 years old.

Awards and Honors

Bjørn Johansen received several important awards for his contributions to jazz music:

• Buddyprisen 1962: This is a very respected award for jazz musicians in Norway.
• «Statens arbeidsstipend» 1981: A special grant from the government to support his work.
• Spellemannprisen 1987: He won this award in the Jazz category for his album Take One. It's like the Norwegian Grammy Awards.
• Gammleng-prisen 1997: Another significant award for musicians in Norway.

Main Albums

Bjørn Johansen released several albums during his career. Here are some of his most notable ones:

Solo Albums

• 1986: Dear Henrik
• 1987: Take One (This album won an award!)
• 1990: Some Other Time (He worked with Laila Dalseth and others on this one)
• 2001: Portrait of a Norwegian Jazz Artist

Albums with Other Musicians

Bjørn Johansen also played on many albums with other talented artists and bands.

• With «Public Enemies»: Elevate Me (1965) and From Public Enemies Without Love (1966).
• With Egil Kapstad: Friends (1980), which was with the Kapstad/Johansen Quartet.
• With «Blix Band»: På en lyserød sky (1997).
• He also played on albums with artists like Alf Cranner, Per Husby, and Bjørn Alterhaug.