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American pianist and leading figure in the boogie-woogie revival of the late 1930s–1940s.Born in Chicago, Ammons began playing piano at age 10. After serving in WWI, he worked as a cab driver while performing in clubs. He gained national fame after the 1938 'Spirituals to Swing' concert at Carnegie Hall and formed the Boogie Woogie Trio with Meade Lux Lewis and Pete Johnson. Recorded influential boogie-woogie pieces for labels including Blue Note and Victor.

• His famous 'Boogie Woogie Stomp' was recorded in a makeshift studio during the 1936 recording ban by sliding $100 under the musicians' union door.
• Struggled with alcoholism throughout his career, which led to irregular performances and financial instability.
• Died of heart failure at age 42 after collapsing while playing at a party; his final words were reportedly 'I feel happy' mid-performance.
• His son Gene Ammons became a celebrated tenor saxophonist, continuing the family's jazz legacy.