Johnny Windhurst

Who was Johnny Windhurst?

Johnny Windhurst was a jazz trumpet player, who played primarily in the swing and big-band styles. Windhurst was a self-taught musician; he considered Bix Beiderbecke, Bobby Hackett, Wild Bill Davison, and Bunny Berigan among his influences.

At 18 years old, he was chosen by Sidney Bechet to play at the Savoy Cafe in Boston. This engagement launched his career, and he went on to play with Art Hodes and James P. Johnson at the Jazz at Town Hall concert in 1946. Over the years, he played for such musicians as Louis Armstrong, Nappy Lamare, and Eddie Condon. Windhurst only made one recording under his name, a record called Jazz at Columbus Avenue, recorded for the Transition label in 1956.