Born:
June 16, 1792
Birthplace:
It is believed that he was born in Philadelphia.
Died:
April 6, 1844 in Philadelphia due to an illness that plagued him for a long time.
Also Known As:
The composer who led African-American composers in Europe and inventor of cotillions. Also known as US' first major band master. He was not only a composer but a performer himself.
Type of Compositions:
He composed band music, marches and dances. He played many different instruments like the keyed bugle and the violin.
Influence:
Johnson studied under an Irish keyed-bugle player by the name of Richard Willis.
Musical Work:
He composed more than 300 music pieces, most of which were published. His first published work was "A Collection of New Cotillions" and one of his well known composition is titled "Dirge". He is also known for his composition in honor of General Lafayette. Johnson also played during a ball in honor of Charles Dickens.
Interesting Fact:
In 1837, Johnson and his band members went to London. While there, they went to the Buckingham Palace to perform for the soon-to-be Queen Victoria.
