J.J. Johnson, known as the spiritual father of modern trombone, has been a notable figure in the history of jazz. His career has embodied virtually every innovation and development in jazz over the past half-century. Covering his life from childhood and education through his adult musical career playing with jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, this book offers an illustration of Johnson's technical and stylistic development, as well as a thorough catalogue of his compositions, film scores, and recordings.

Joshua Berrett is professor of music at Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, New York. A specialist in nineteenth- and twentieth-century music, he has published on a wide array of topics, including two volumes on the symphony and articles on jazz and contemporary music in such journals as the Journal of Jazz Studies, The Musical Quarterly, and American Music.

Louis G. Bourgois III is professor of music at Kentucky State University, Frankfort, Kentucky. He is a specialist in jazz history and discography. His research on J.J. Johnson began in 1973 during his undergraduate studies and resulted in his doctoral dissertation, Jazz Trombonist J.J. Johnson: A Comprehensive Discography and Study of the Early Evolution of His Style. As a professional bass trombonist, he performs with the Lexington Brass Band, Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, Vincent DiMartino/Miles Osland Jazz Orchestra, and Kentucky Jazz Repertory Orchestra.