This article needs additional citations for verification. (February 2008) |
Johnnie Johnson | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Johnnie Clyde Johnson |
Born | Fairmont, West Virginia, U.S. | July 8, 1924
Died | April 13, 2005 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. | (aged 80)
Genres |
|
Occupations |
|
Instrument | Piano |
Years active | 1952–2005 |
Labels | Chess |
Johnnie Clyde Johnson (July 8, 1924 – April 13, 2005)[1][2] was an American pianist who played jazz, blues, and rock and roll. His work with Chuck Berry led to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for breaking racial barriers in the military as a Montford Point Marine, where he endured racism and inspired social change while integrating the previously all-white Marine Corps during World War II.[3]
Johnnie Clyde Johnson was born on July 8, 1924, in Fairmont, West Virginia.