Albert Ammons Photo Provided by Lila Ammons

Born in Chicago on September 23, 1907, Albert Ammons was taught by his father to play the pianola, and also studied with future compatriot Meade Lux Lewis. With Lewis he played piano in Chicago clubs of the 1920s while also working as a cab driver, later taking gigs entertaining passengers on trains running between Chicago and the South. Leading his own bands, he made his first recordings in the mid-30s, then moved to New York where he first played in duets with fellow boogie woogie master Pete Johnson. In 1938, Ammons, Lewis and Johnson first appeared together at Carnegie Hall. That concert, dubbed “Spirituals to Swing,” really launched the boogie woogie craze of the late 30s and 40s. Throughout his career, Ammons played in duo and trio formats with other pianists, particularly with Johnson and Lewis at Café Society, recorded for Blue Note with the Port of Harlem Jazzmen, recorded with Sippie Wallace, and later with his son, tenor saxman Gene Ammons. He died in 1949, shortly after playing at President Harry Truman’s inauguration. His large discography keeps the spirit of boogie woogie alive today.

The kick-off event for the Albert Ammons Centennial Celebration was held in Tarzana, CA at the St. James Presbyterian Church on February 18^th. The program featured jazz standards sung by Lila Ammons and a tribute to Albert from by contemporary boogie woogie master Carl “Sonny” Leyland. Leyland has performed many of Albert Ammons’ solos at festivals throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Additional information about the Albert Ammons Centennial is available from Lila Ammons at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it