Johnson was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He began playing the trombone at the age of 11. He studied at the Arthur Jordan Conservatory of Music and the Indiana University School of Music.
Johnson moved to New York City in 1942 and quickly became one of the most sought-after trombonists in the city. He played with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, and other bebop legends.
In the 1950s, Johnson began to explore hard bop, a newer, more aggressive style of jazz. He recorded several influential albums with his own bands, including "The Eminent Jay Jay Johnson Volume 1" (1954) and "Jay Jay Johnson with Clifford Brown" (1955).
Johnson continued to tour and record throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He also taught at the Berklee College of Music and the Manhattan School of Music.
Johnson died of a heart attack in Indianapolis in 2001. He was 77 years old.
Johnson was a master of the trombone. He had a unique sound that was instantly recognizable. He was also a gifted improviser and composer. His music has influenced countless trombonists around the world.
Here are some of Johnson's most famous compositions:
* "Lament"
* "Ezz-thetic"
* "Enigma"
* "Stardust"
* "Blue Funk"