Dink Johnson facts for kids

Ollie "Dink" Johnson (born 1892 – died November 29, 1954) was a talented American musician. He was known for playing Dixieland jazz music. Dink could play the piano, clarinet, and drums.

Early Life and Family

Ollie Johnson was born in 1892. Most likely, he was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. Some people think he might have been born in Biloxi, Mississippi. His mother's name was Hattie. Ollie had an older half-brother named William Manuel "Bill" Johnson. Bill was a famous double bassist.

Dink started his music career in Mississippi and New Orleans. In the early 1910s, he moved to the western United States. He played music in places like Nevada and California. Often, he played with his brother Bill. He also played drums for a group called the Original Creole Orchestra.

Musical Journey and Recordings

Dink Johnson made his first recordings in 1922. He played the clarinet with Kid Ory's Band. Later, in the 1940s and 1950s, he recorded more music. For these recordings, he mostly played the piano. He even made some "one-man band" recordings! This meant he played all three of his instruments by recording them one after another.

Other famous musicians influenced Dink's style. His piano playing was inspired by Jelly Roll Morton. Dink's clarinet playing was influenced by Larry Shields. Dink also wrote his own songs. Two of his well-known tunes are "The Krooked Blues" and "So Different Blues." "The Krooked Blues" was even recorded by the famous musician King Oliver.

Later Years

Ollie "Dink" Johnson passed away in Portland, Oregon, in 1954. He was 62 years old.