Woodrow Wilson "Buddy" Johnson, born January 10, 1915, in Darlington, South
Carolina, was an American jump blues pianist and bandleader. He moved to New
York City in 1938 and began recording for Decca Records in 1939 with his band,
which included his sister Ella Johnson as vocalist. By 1941, he had a nine-piece
orchestra and achieved several R&B and pop chart hits, notably "When My Man
Comes Home" (Number 1 R&B, Number 18 pop, 1944). His orchestra remained a major
touring attraction through the late 1940s and early 1950s, releasing notable
albums such as Walkin' (1957) and Swing ...