Dink Johnson

Oliver "Dink" Johnson (October 28, 1892 – November 29, 1954) was an early jazz pianist, clarinetist, and drummer.

Related Topics:
October 28 - 1892 - November 29 - 1954 - Jazz - Pianist - Clarinetist - Drummer

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Dink Johson was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, younger brother of bass player/bandleader Bill Johnson. He worked around Mississippi and New Orleans before moving to the western United States in the early 1910s. He played around Nevada and California, often with his brother Bill. Most prominently he played with the Original Creole Orchestra (mostly on drums).

Related Topics:
Biloxi, Mississippi - Bill Johnson - Mississippi - New Orleans - United States - 1910s - Nevada - California - Original Creole Orchestra - Drum

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He made his first recordings in 1922 on clarinet with Kid Ory's Band.

Related Topics:
1922 - Clarinet - Kid Ory

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For many years he was based in Los Angeles, California where he led a band in the 1920s and later ran a bar.

Related Topics:
Los Angeles, California - 1920s

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He made more recordings in the 1940s and 1950s, mostly on piano, although also doing some "One man band" recordings, playing all three of his instruments through over dubbing.

Related Topics:
1940s - 1950s - Piano

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Dink Johnson's piano style was influenced by Jelly Roll Morton (his brother-in-law); his clarinet playing by Larry Shields. Johnson also wrote tunes, including The Crooked Blues (recorded by King Oliver) and So Different Blues.

Related Topics:
Jelly Roll Morton - Larry Shields - King Oliver

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Dink Johnson died in Portland, Oregon.

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