Richard Johnson (pianist) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Richard D. Johnson
Background information
Birth name	Richard Doron Johnson
Born	August 20th 1975 Pittsburgh, PA
Genres	Jazz
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Piano, clarinet
Years active	1995 to present
Associated acts	Wynton Marsalis, B.B. King, Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton

Richard Doron Johnson is an American musician, composer, and teacher. He is famous for playing jazz piano. He also teaches jazz music at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore. Richard Johnson often performs at big music events and jazz festivals. These include the Detroit International Jazz Festival and the Chicago Jazz Festival.

Richard Johnson's Early Life and Music Journey

Richard Johnson started playing music when he was very young. His father, who was a gospel pianist, taught him to play the piano. Richard was born in Pittsburgh, but his family moved around a lot. They lived in Ohio, then Pennsylvania, and later Massachusetts.

In middle school, Richard played the trumpet. In high school, he played the valve trombone. He graduated from Masconomet High School in Massachusetts. After high school, he went to the Berklee College of Music. He finished his studies there very quickly! He then earned a Master’s Degree in Jazz Pedagogy from the Boston Conservatory of Music. This means he learned how to teach jazz music.

Richard Johnson's Amazing Music Career

Richard Johnson has had an exciting music career. He studied at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance. This is a special school for talented jazz musicians.

From 2000 to 2003, he was part of Wynton Marsalis’ Septet. He also played with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He worked with many other famous jazz groups too.

Teaching Kids About Jazz and Hip-Hop

Richard Johnson created a program called "Reach Afar." This program teaches kids aged 7 to 17 about music. It helps them see how jazz and hip-hop music are connected. This shows how much he cares about sharing music with young people.

Traveling the World as a Music Ambassador

In 1999, Richard Johnson became a United States Musical Ambassador. This meant he traveled all over the world. He visited more than 76 countries! He performed and shared American jazz music with people everywhere. He has played with jazz legends like Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter.

Music Director for the Atlanta Hawks

In 2005, Richard Johnson became the musical director for the Atlanta Hawks basketball team. He put together a special hip-hop band. This band played music during all 92 games of the season! It was a unique way to bring live music to sports fans.

Current Work and New Music

Today, Richard Johnson is still a jazz professor at the Peabody Conservatory of Music. He also teaches piano at the Ravina Jazz Program in Chicago. He has released several music albums. His latest project is called 2 of A Kind. He made this album with Gregory Generet and other talented jazz musicians.

Richard Johnson's Music Albums

Richard Johnson has released many albums, both as a leader and with other musicians.

Albums as a Leader

• "Stride Ways" 1998
• "Battle Grounds" 2010
• "Here I am" 2013
• "Music Business" 2017

Albums as a Contributor

• "United We Swing-" 2019 with Wynton Marsalis
• "Check Cashing Day" 2013 with Bobby Watson
• "Soul House" 2008 with Christian Winther
• "The Only Plan" 2011 with Christian Winther
• "Jam Session" 2006 with Trombone Steeple Chase
• "Jam Session" 2005 with Tenor sax Steeple Chase
• "Half Past Autumn" 2003 with Irvin Mayfield
• "How Passion Falls" 2001 with Irvin Mayfield

Images for kids

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  Richard Johnson playing the piano.