February 1, 1894 James Price Johnson, pianist, composer, and one of the originators of the stride style of jazz piano playing, was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Johnson began playing professionally in 1912 and before he was twenty years old had gained a reputation as one of the premier ragtime pianist on the East […]
Archive | February 1, 2011
February 1st in African American History – James Mercer Langston Hughes
February 1, 1902 James Mercer Langston Hughes, poet, novelist and playwright, was born in Joplin, Missouri. Hughes began writing in high school where he wrote for the school newspaper, edited the yearbook, and wrote short stories, poetry, and dramatic plays. Hughes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Langston University in 1929. Hughes signature poem, […]