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Ken Snakehips Johnson - band leader
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Ken Snakehips Johnson - band leader
Kenrick Reginald Hijmans Johnson (1914 - 1941), known as Ken " Snakehips" Johnson, jazz band leader and dancer. A leading figure in black British music of the 1930s. Johnson and his band had a residency at Londons glamorous nightspot the CafÚáñe Paris. He was killed on 8 March 1941 during the Blitz when he was among 34 victims of a high explosive bomb falling straight onto the dancefloor. Date: 1940
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Media ID 19078270
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015
Band Conducting Entertainer Johnson Jun19 Kenrick Musician Nightlife Suave Debonaire
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Ken 'Snakehips' Johnson: A Suave and Debonair Jazz Bandleader Cut Down in His Prime This evocative portrait captures Kenrick Reginald Hijmans Johnson, better known as 'Snakehips' Johnson, in the midst of conducting his jazz band at London's glamorous nightspot, the Café de Paris, during the late 1930s. Johnson was a leading figure in black British music and entertainment, known for his innovative dance moves and charismatic stage presence. His band, which featured a mix of jazz, swing, and blues, was a favorite among London's high society and celebrities. Born in Trinidad in 1914, Johnson arrived in England in the 1930s and quickly made a name for himself as a dancer and bandleader. He and his band had a residency at the Café de Paris, where they performed regularly to packed houses. Johnson's suave and debonair demeanor, combined with his electrifying dance moves, made him a popular figure in London's vibrant nightlife scene. Tragically, Johnson's life was cut short on 8 March 1941, during the Blitz, when a high explosive bomb fell straight onto the dancefloor of the Café de Paris, killing him and 33 others. The bombing marked a tragic end to the careers of many of London's most talented musicians and entertainers, who were lost during the darkest days of World War II. This portrait offers a glimpse into a bygone era of London's jazz and nightlife scene, and serves as a poignant reminder of the talents lost during the war. Johnson's legacy continues to inspire musicians and dancers to this day, and his influence can be heard in the jazz and blues music that continues to thrive in the UK and around the world.
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