Clarence “Jelly” Johnson

Clarence Johnson: Low Down Papa

by Nic Jones
April 6, 2011

Pianist Clarence “Jelly" Johnson recorded for the Paramount label between 1923 and 1925. He was also accompanist to Chicago blues singers Sodarisa Miller and Edna Taylor amongst others, and recorded piano rolls in New York for the QRS label alongside James P. Johnson and Fats Waller. But, apart from that, very little is known about him, which of course makes this restoration of his nickelodeon piano rolls a cause for celebration. Originally captured for posterity by the ...