Johnny Guarnieri

John Albert Guarnieri (March 23, 1917 – January 7, 1985) was an American jazz and stride pianist, born in New York City.

In 1949, Guarnieri recorded an album with June Christy entitled June Christy & The Johnny Guarnieri Quintet. In his later years, Guarnieri shifted more toward jazz education. In commemoration of his reputation as a teacher, Guarnieri's students financed a label for him called "Taz Jazz Records". In the 1970s, Guarnieri recorded numerous albums on his new label, and until 1982 worked at the "Tail o' the Cock" restaurant bar in Studio City, California. He played at the Vineyard Theatre at East 26th Street in New York City on January 6, but had to stop at the intermission because of dizziness. He went to a friend's house to rest, but was admitted to St Barnabas hospital in Livingston, New Jersey the following day, where he died following a heart attack.

Personal life He was survived by his wife, Jeanne, six children, and 18 grandchildren.

Select discography Makin' Whoopee (Dobre)

With Cozy Cole Concerto for Cozy (Savoy, 1944)

With Tony Mottola, Cozy Cole and Bob Haggart An Hour of Modern Piano Rhythms (Royale, 1953)

With the Henri René Orchestra RCA Victor Presents Eartha Kitt (RCA, 1953) That Bad Eartha (EP) (RCA, 1954) Down to Eartha (RCA, 1955) That Bad Eartha (LP) (RCA, 1956) Thursday's Child (RCA, 1957)

With Ben Webster "Honeysuckle Rose" b/w "Kat's Fur" (Savoy, 1944 )

With Lester Young (Keynote, 1943) "Sometimes I'm Happy" "Just You, Just Me" "I Never Knew" "Afternoon of a Basie-ite"

With Trio Makin' Whoopee (Dobre Records DR1017, 1978)