Pete Johnson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pete Johnson
Pete Johnson, ca. August 1946
Background information
Born	(1904-03-25)March 25, 1904 Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Died	March 23, 1967(1967-03-23) (aged 62) Buffalo, New York, United States
Genres	Boogie-woogie, jazz, blues, stride
Occupation(s)	Musician, pianist
Instruments	Piano
Years active	1922–1967
Associated acts	Big Joe Turner

Pete Johnson (born March 25, 1904, died March 23, 1967) was an amazing American blues and jazz pianist. He was super famous for helping to make boogie-woogie music popular. He did this alongside other great pianists like Albert Ammons and Meade Lux Lewis.

The Life of Pete Johnson

Pete Johnson started his musical journey in Kansas City, Missouri. He first played the drums. When he was 18, he began playing the piano. This was the start of his long career.

From 1926 to 1938, Pete worked as a pianist. He often played with the singer Big Joe Turner. Sometimes, he even drove a taxi! He met Joe Turner at a place called Sunset Cafe. Joe Turner worked there as a bartender.

Making Boogie-Woogie Famous

In 1936, a famous music producer named John Hammond discovered Pete. Hammond brought Pete to New York City. In 1938, Pete played in the "From Spirituals to Swing" concerts. These concerts were a big deal! They helped make boogie-woogie music very popular.

After these concerts, Pete played a lot with Albert Ammons and Meade Lux Lewis. They also performed with Joe Turner at the Cafe Society. They toured and recorded music together, sharing their unique sound.

Popular Songs and Albums

One of Pete Johnson's most famous songs was "Roll 'Em Pete." He wrote this song with Joe Turner. It became a huge hit! In the late 1940s, Pete created one of the first "concept albums." On this album, he played solo first. Then, other musicians from Kansas City joined him. Everyone had a solo, backed by Pete, and then they all played a song together.

Pete recorded music for many different labels. Some of these included Storyville, Savoy, Brunswick, Riverside, Apollo, and Blue Note.

Later Years and Legacy

In the 1950s, Pete moved to Buffalo, New York. But he kept touring and recording music. He often played with Jimmy Rushing and Big Joe Turner. In 1958, he toured Europe with the "Jazz at the Philharmonic" group. He also played at the famous Newport Jazz Festival.

Later in his life, Pete faced health challenges. He died on March 23, 1967, at the age of 62. Pete Johnson left behind a great musical legacy. He helped shape the sound of boogie-woogie, blues, and jazz music.

Notable Songs by Pete Johnson

• "1280 Stomp"
• "627 Stomp"
• "Basement Boogie"
• "Buss Robinson Blues"
• "Cherry Red"
• "Death Ray Boogie"
• "Goin' Away Blues"
• "Holler Stomp"
• "Just for You"
• "Lone Star Blues"
• "Pete's Blues"
• "Pete's Lonesome Blues"
• "Rebecca"
• "Roll 'Em Pete"

Albums by Pete Johnson

• 1938-1939 Classics, 1938
• King of Boogie Milan, 1939
• Master of Blues and Boogie Woogie, Vol. 3 Oldie Blues, 1939
• Boogie Woogie Mood (1940-1944) MCA ca. 1970
• Pete's Blues Savoy, 1946
• Central Avenue Boogie Delmark 1993
• Master of Blues and Boogie Woogie Oldie Blues 1975
• 1939-1941 Classics 1996
• 1944-1946 Classics 1997
• Blues & Boogie Woogie Master 1938/1946 EPM Musique 1998
• St. Louis Parties of July 20 & August 1, 1954 Document 1999
• Roll 'Em Pete Pearl 1999
• 1947-1949 Classics 2000
• Atomic Boogie: The National Recordings 1945-1947 Savoy Jazz 2001