Layton & Johnstone facts for kids

Layton & Johnstone
Turner Layton and Clarence "Tandy" Johnstone. From The Crisis, January 1933.
Background information
Origin	New York City
Years active	1922 (1922)–1935 (1935)
Past members	Turner Layton and Clarence “Tandy” Johnstone

Layton & Johnstone was a very popular music duo from America. They were famous in the 1920s and 1930s. The duo included Turner Layton and Clarence “Tandy” Johnstone. They started playing music together in New York City in 1922.

Just two years later, they moved to England. There, they became very successful right away. Between 1924 and 1935, they sold over 10 million records! They performed in top venues in London, Paris, and other European cities. They even played for the British royal family many times. You could also hear them often on BBC Radio. The duo stopped performing together in 1935. This happened after Clarence "Tandy" Johnstone had some personal issues that became very public.

About Layton & Johnstone

How They Started

John Turner Layton Jr. (born 1894, died 1978) was from Washington, D.C. In 1916, he moved to New York City. There, he became a successful songwriter with Henry Creamer. Clarence Nathaniel "Tandy" Johnstone (born 1885, died 1953) was a doctor from Manhattan. He also worked as an entertainer.

After Layton's songwriting partnership ended in 1922, he wanted to perform more. Johnstone later shared how he met Layton. He said, "It was in 1922, at the Biltmore Hotel, that I met Turner Layton." Layton was looking for a partner whose voice sounded good with his. Johnstone recalled, "We ran through 'Japanese Sandman'—and the team of Layton and Johnstone was born." He felt it was a perfect match.

The two performed in Harlem. They also played at private parties for rich families like the Astors and Vanderbilts. They would follow their clients to warm places in winter. In summer, they went to cooler spots. They always returned to New York for spring and autumn. In Florida, Lord and Lady Mountbatten heard them play. They convinced the duo to go to England.

Success in England

Layton & Johnstone arrived in England in 1924. They played at fancy London clubs like the Kit Kat. They also performed at big places like The Coliseum. One of their biggest fans was Edward, Prince of Wales. He later became King Edward VIII. The Prince really liked the talented pair. He often invited them to play at his home, St. James’s Palace.

The duo also had great shows in other European cities. They played in Berlin, Brussels, and Paris. They were often on BBC Radio. In 1931, they even appeared in a movie.

They recorded many songs for Columbia Records in Britain. Some of their big hits were "All Alone," "(You Forgot to) Remember," and "Sonny Boy." "Sonny Boy" sold over a million copies! Experts say Layton & Johnstone were among the most successful recording artists in Britain. This was between 1918 and 1931.

A British review from 1924 praised them. It said, "One partner is at the piano but both sing." It added that "their vocal work is of capital quality." Their harmonies were "delightfully done." Their music included many songs that became classics. They also sang spirituals, blues, and show tunes. They recorded early versions of songs by famous composers. These included Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, and Cole Porter.

Their unique style mixed jazz with spirituals. They played songs like "Dinah," "Hallelujah," and "My Blue Heaven." Their music was different from other Black artists at the time. It showed a very refined musical skill.

Why They Broke Up

In 1934, Clarence Johnstone faced some personal difficulties. These issues became very public. After finishing their current music contracts, Layton & Johnstone decided to stop performing together in 1935.

After the duo broke up, Turner Layton had a successful solo career. He stayed in England until he passed away in 1978. Clarence Johnstone later married Raymonde Gilberte Defly Sandler. He tried a new music partnership in 1936. But that group also broke up soon after. Johnstone and his wife eventually moved back to New York City. He died there in 1953.