Ben Johnston was born on March 15, 1926, in Macon, Georgia. Growing up, he showed a natural talent for music and began studying composition at a young age. He was deeply inspired by the avant-garde music scene of the time and sought to push boundaries in his own work.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Johnston had the opportunity to work with renowned composer and music theorist Harry Partch. It was during this time that he was introduced to the concept of just intonation, a tuning system that is based on pure intervals. Partch's teachings deeply influenced Johnston's approach to music composition, and he would go on to further develop and expand upon these ideas throughout his career.
Throughout his career, Johnston gained recognition for his groundbreaking work in contemporary music. He was particularly known for his use of just intonation in his compositions, which set him apart from his contemporaries. His unique approach to music theory and composition earned him numerous accolades, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1959 and a grant from the National Council on the Arts and the Humanities in 1966.
In addition to his solo work, Johnston also collaborated with other avant-garde musicians and composers, including La Monte Young, Iannis Xenakis, and John Cage. He taught composition and theory at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for over three decades, where he influenced a new generation of musicians with his innovative ideas and approaches.
Ben Johnston's contributions to microtonal music and just intonation have had a lasting impact on the world of contemporary music. His willingness to challenge traditional norms and explore new possibilities in composition has inspired countless artists and musicians around the world. He will be remembered as a visionary composer who pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in music.