J. J. Johnson
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J. J. Johnson (January 22, 1924 - February 4, 2001) was a famous jazz trombonist, born in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Johnson played with many big-name jazz musicians, including Count Basie, Miles Davis, and Oscar Pettiford. Johnson also recorded several popular albums with fellow trombonist Kai Winding, as well as several solo albums.
While the trombone was featured prominently in dixieland and swing music, it fell out of favor among bebop and later jazz fusion musicians, largely because instruments with valves and keys (trumpet, saxophone) were more suited to bebop's extremely rapid notes. Johnson's work in the 1940s and 1950s defied the public's perception that the slide trombone could not keep up with bebop. He played with exceptional precision and had a clear, smooth, cutting tone. He was arguably the most prominent – and proficient – bebop trombonist.
His recording career was spotty, as he had periodic drug problems that resulted in suspensions of his cabaret card. At one point, he quit playing altogether to become a blueprint inspector; and other point, he renounced trombone playing to focus on film and television composing.
Johnson committed suicide. He was reportedly despondent over unsuccessful prostate cancer treatment.de:J. J. Johnson fr:Jay Jay Johnson it:Jay Jay Johnson