Albert Ammons was a boogie-woogie jazz pianist who was born into a musical family in Chicago in 1907 and had a substantial career until he died aged 42 in 1949. He performed with artists such as trumpeter Guy Kelly, pianist Pete Johnson and bandleaders Benny Goodman and Harry James. His distinctive style was the inspiration for film-maker Norman McLaren's 1941 animated short 'Boogie-Doodle', and he appeared as himself in the 1944 feature film 'Boogie-Woogie Dream'. Many performers have cited his influence including Jerry Lee Lewis, Dr. John and Erroll Garner.
Albums include 'Boogie Woogie' (1941), '8 to the Bar' (1941) and 'King of Boogie Woogie' (1948). Tracks include 'Boogie Woogie Stomp', 'Boogie Woogie Prayer', 'Shout for Joy' and 'Woo-Woo'. Compilations include two volumes of 'King of Blues and Boogie Woogie' in 1975 and 1982 and 'The Boogie Woogie Trio Vols. 1-2' (2004).
