LaMont Johnson

LaMont Johnson (October 1, 1941 – October 21, 1999) was an American jazz pianist who played in the hard bop and post-bop genres.[1] He recorded extensively with Jackie McLean during the 1960s as well as with Ornette Coleman, Kenny Burrell, Bud Shank, Paul Beaver, and Bernie Krause, among others.[2]

This article is about the jazz pianist. For other people, see Lamont Johnson (disambiguation).
Not to be confused with Mont Johnson or Mount Johnson.
LaMont Johnson
Born(1941-10-01)October 1, 1941
New York City, NY, US
DiedOctober 21, 1999(1999-10-21) (aged 58)
Austin, Texas, US
GenresJazz, soul, funk
Occupation(s)Pianist
Record label owner
Film producer
InstrumentsPiano
Years active1962–1999
Associated actsJackie McLean, Scotty Holt

Biography

James LaMont Johnson was born in New York City, New York.[1][3] During his childhood he took dancing, singing, and mime lessons, and appeared on the Star Time Kids television program at age 7.[3] He later served in the United States Air Force in Germany, after which he attended Manhattan College and Syracuse University.[3]

Johnson began his recording career in 1962.[3] In New York City, he worked with tubist Howard Johnson and trumpeter Woody Shaw as the bebop period came to an end.[3] Throughout the 1960s, he recorded with artists such as Jackie McLean, Ornette Coleman, and George Benson.[3] Later in the same decade, Johnson began composing music for films and advertisements.[3]

Johnson lived and worked in San Diego, California, where he established the record label MasterScores Records.[3] Johnson worked in the film industry during the 1970s as a distributor and producer.[3] He produced the 1973 martial arts film Thunderfist.[3][4] Johnson was a major shareholder in the film distributors Artisan Releasing and Twin World Films, and formed another distributorship, Elmark General Film.[3]

In his later years, Johnson lived in Austin, Texas, where he continued to perform at venues such as Top of the Marc, and released I'll Be Home for Kwanzaa on the Bagel Label.[3][5] During this time, he appeared on Jackie's Blues Bag by the Hip Bop Essence All Stars, a group that also included Branford Marsalis, Javon Jackson, and Vincent Herring.[3] He also worked with Black Entertainment Television.[3] Between 1991 and 1997, he was involved with more than 30 jazz festivals, as either a performer or producer.[3]

On October 21, 1999, Johnson died of heart failure in Austin, Texas, where he lived with his wife, Jayne Taylor Johnson.[3] Johnson had two daughters, Astrid and Ky–Leigh, and two sons, Neil and Rand.[3] At the time of his death, Johnson had indicated his plans to return to San Diego.[3]

Discography

As leader
  • 1972: Sun, Moon and Stars (Mainstream Records)
  • 1976: Nine: A Mystical Musical Allegory (Orchard)
  • 1979: Aces (Orchard)
  • 1987: New York Exile (Orchard)
  • 1991: Burned by the Passion (MasterScores)
  • 1997: Jackie's Blues Bag (Hip Bop Essence)
  • 1998: 242 E 3rd (Orchard)
  • 2000: Collaboration (with Kenny Burrell)

As sideman
with Jackie McLean
with Hank Mobley

References
  1. "LaMont Johnson". Allmusic. Retrieved 2010-10-25.
  2. "LaMont Johnson: Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved 2010-10-25.
  3. Autman, Samuel (1999-10-30). "LaMont Johnson; jazz composer, performer" (Fee required). The San Diego Union-Tribune. San Diego: The San Diego Union-Tribune, LLC. p. B7. Retrieved 2010-10-28.
  4. IMDb only indicates Johnson's role as composer. Thunderfist at IMDb
  5. Lieck, Ken (1997-10-31). "Dancing About Architecture:Never Everland". The Austin Chronicle. Austin: Austin Chronicle Corp. p. B7. ISSN 1074-0740. Retrieved 2010-10-28. [T]here's a big benefit being held for the band at Top of the Marc tonight (Thursday) between 6-9pm, with Lamont Johnson [sic] and others performing...
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