J. J. Johnson

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 defied the common 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.

Johnson committed suicide. He was reportedly despondent over unsuccessful prostate cancer treatment.