JOHNSON, J.J.

original name James Louis Johnson born Jan. 22, 1924, Indianapolis, Ind., U.S. Johnson American jazz composer and trombonist. Johnson's early training as a pianist was followed by study of the trombone, beginning when he was 15. He became a professional musician in 1941 and during the decade worked in the orchestras of Benny Carter and Count Basie. He became widely recognized as a dexterous soloist who had assimilated the techniques of the bebop movement of the 1940s. After a temporary retirement in 1952, he returned in 1954 to tour with fellow trombonist Kai Winding; their duets have been recognized as watersheds in the evolution of jazz trombone technique. In 1959 he made his debut as an orchestral composer at the Monterey Festival. Johnson moved to California in 1970, wrote musical scores for motion pictures and television, and virtually abandoned playing in favour of composing, arranging, and conducting.