In the world of Boogie-Woogie piano players, there are a few standouts. Especially fun are the duos that wore identical outfits and made life-long Boogie-Woogie fans with their outstanding performances.

Boogie-Woogie Piano Duets

One of the Original Duos

Meet Albert Ammons, who is known to have recorded what could be the world’s first rock & roll record, Boogie-Woogie Stomp, in 1936. Also, here’s Pete Johnson, who in 1938 cut the world’s 2nd rock & roll record, Roll Em Pete. Subsequently, they worked together in the 1930s and ’40s. To illustrate, here’s their version of “Sixth Avenue Express”.

Here’s a more recent Boogie-Woogie Duet performance.

Jools Holland

Julian Miles “Jools” Holland was born in the United Kingdom in 1958. Not only is he a pianist, but also a bandleader, singer, composer, and television host. 

Equally important, he was a founding member of the British rock band Squeeze and maintained his membership with the band until 2015. In addition, Jools has had the opportunity to swing with musical greats such as George Harrison, David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Eric Clapton, and Sting.

Dr. John

Dr. John was born Malcolm John “Mac” Rebennack, Jr. in 1940. Similarly, he was a singer-songwriter and pianist with many hits, including Right Place, Wrong Time and Such a Night.

Starting in the 1960s, Dr. John won six Grammys for various albums and singles. His distinctive New Orleans style showcased Blues, Jazz, Zydeco, and, of course, Boogie-Woogie music.

Enjoy this late 1980s performance of Jools and the Dr. (performing as The Boogie-Woogie Twins) from the British television show Night Music. Furthermore, it includes an introduction by American alto saxophonist, David Sanborn.

How do you dance to Boogie-Woogie music?

If you’re dancing to Boogie-Woogie, you Swing, baby, Swing! Indeed, if you know a little basic Swing and have some spring in your step, you’ll do fine. In short, you get into your fast-feet frame of mind and start moving. For example, here’s how a 3-time World Champion couple does it.

Learn more about Swing in this Dance Safari post, “Swing Dancing – It Does a Body Good“.

You’ve got to admire all of the Boogie-Woogie performers for their originality and stamina, don’t you think? Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.