Luckey Roberts, Willie the Lion Smith, Fats Waller, and James P. Johnson: An Analysis of Historical, Cultural, and Performance Aspects of Stride Piano from 1910 to 1940

Stride (Harlem piano) is a jazz piano style that flourished from c. 1910 to c. 1940, primarily in New York. Revolving around the four most significant Harlem stride pianist-composers, Luckey Roberts, James P. Johnson, Willie the Lion Smith, and Fats Waller, this research document focuses on the history, performance practices, and stylistic characteristics of the genre. Through an extensive study of relevant literature and analysis of select stride compositions and transcriptions including Luckey Roberts\u27 Pork and Beans, James P. Johnson\u27s The Mule Walk, Willie the Lion Smith\u27s Cuttin\u27 Out, and Fats Waller\u27s Handful of Keys, this research document investigates the origin, competitive nature, dissemination, and musical traits of the genre. Furthermore, this study illuminates how the competitive nature of this genre led to the development of the first virtuosic jazz piano style -- stride