During his six decade career, Johnson played with some of the most influential musicians in jazz, including Benny Carter, Dizzy Gillepsie and, one of my personal favorites, Charlie Parker. Early in his career, he joined Benny Carter's big band and recorded his first professional work with it. Johnson revolutionized the playing of the trombone, ensuring its place in the world of jazz music. He was one of the first musicians to successfully integrate the trombone into the intricate rhythms and phrasing of bebop. In later years, he worked as a composer and arranger, and during the 1970s wrote scores for several television shows and feature films.
Jazz is a national treasure and true American art form.
In turn, jazz musicians should be lauded for their many contributions to American culture.