Speakeasies to Symphonies The Jazz Genius of James P. Johnson

"This is the kind of research scholars must do when writing about the lives of Black Americans in the early twentieth century. By turning to other and sometimes nontraditional primary and secondary sources, Brown creates a menagerie of scenes straight out of Johnson's life that illuminate his career's resonance with early Black entertainment. Speakeasies to Symphonies: The Jazz Genius of James P. Johnson is not just a biography of an artist but a rich text providing endless insight into the experiences of many Black Americans leading up to, during, and beyond the Harlem Renaissance." - Stephanie Doktor, assistant professor of music theory at Temple University.

"This is the most comprehensive book to date on James P. Johnson, 'The Father of Stride Piano.' Anyone interested in jazz, popular music, Broadway shows, and the struggles of African American artists trying to find success in the white world of classical, or so-called 'serious' music, will find much value in this book." - Vincent Pelote, senior archivist and digital preservation strategist at the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University.