Johnny Dodds was a seminal figure in the development of early jazz music, renowned for his virtuoso clarinet playing during the genre's formative years in New Orleans and Chicago. Born in New Orleans on April 12, 1892, Dodds was part of the Great Migration of African American musicians who moved to Chicago in search of better opportunities. His deeply expressive and blues-infused style on the clarinet made him one of the in-demand musicians of the 1920s jazz scene, securing his place in the pantheon of jazz greats.

Dodds' work with bands such as King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band, the Jelly Roll Morton's Red Hot Peppers, and Louis Armstrong's Hot Five and Hot Seven sessions firmly established him as a key contributor to the sound that would define jazz. His richly emotive playing is showcased in timeless recordings like "Wild Man Blues" and "Salty Dog," capturing the raw energy and innovation of the jazz movement. Johnny Dodds continued to play and record music until his untimely death on August 8, 1940. His lasting influence on the genre can be heard in the clarinet styles of countless jazz musicians who followed in his footsteps. The recent releases of his work, such as "Johnny Dodds: Recordings 1926–1929" and "The King Of New Orleans Clarinets," serve both as a powerful reminder of his contributions to music and a source of inspiration for clarinetists and jazz aficionados the world over.

Genres

Jazz Clarinet

New Orleans Jazz

Vintage Jazz

Latest Release

Jazz Age Architect

Johnny Dodds

Album - 8 Tracks - Released February 9, 2024