An argument could be made that James Price Johnson was the most important piano player in the beginnings of jazz music in America. Born in New Brunswick on February 1, 1894, he only lived 61 years, but his pioneering of what is called “Harlem Stride” set the scene for ragtime to evolve into jazz. His personal idiosyncratic style influenced Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Art Tatum, Thelonious Monk and, especially, Fats Waller, who was his student. The Roaring Twenties wouldn’t have roared so long and loud if it wasn’t for Johnson.