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Dorothy Johnson-Laird

Some of Dorothy's earliest memories include hearing "Salt Peanuts" by Dizzy Gillespie

About Me

Dorothy Johnson-Laird comes from a family of musicians, her father, grandfather and great grandfather were pianists. Her father is an amateur jazz musician and composer, early memories include hearing “Salt Peanuts” by Dizzy Gillespie being blasted at full volume from the living room record player. Dorothy was trained in both classical and jazz piano. Since 2008, she has been a contributor on African and World music with www.afropop.org and worldmusiccentral.org. Dorothy is excited by the opportunity to bring her understanding and knowledge of jazz to www.allaboutjazz.com

My Jazz Story

The best show I ever attended was going with my father to see Dizzy Gillespie play at the Royal Festival Hall in London, England. Dizzy was a man full of charisma and play. He managed to get four different sections of the audience to sing four different vocal parts in one song. He captured everyone's attention and got us all up on our feet dancing alongside him to this incredible music we call jazz.