Mary Lou Williams (1910-1981), a jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and educator, was known as “the lady who swings the band.” She guided and encouraged bebop pioneers Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell in her Harlem apartment. She composed modern compositions including The Zodiac Suite and arranged for Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, and Duke Ellington. In the … Read more

Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington was a jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader from the United States. He is considered one of the finest jazz composers and a prolific performer. Ellington was a significant force for about 50 years, and he excelled in every domain. He did all this while touring continuously with his band, which never … Read more

The piano is essential in jazz as they build the groundwork for a great soloist or take the lead themselves. From ragtime through bebop to avant-garde or even beyond, the jazz piano had played a critical part in establishing many of the distinct styles we recognize as jazz. Here is our selection of the top … Read more

Benny Goodman was an American jazz musician, bandleader, and one of the most influential 20th-century clarinet virtuoso. Goodman had a complex personality, and his approach to music reflected his constant search for excellence. He rose to fame just by playing the music he adored and spent his entire life honing his clarinet. He was responsible … Read more

Charles Mingus was widely recognized as a significant character, one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, and, above all, a brilliant bassist. He released several critically acclaimed recordings. He was well-known for his musical style and compositions. Mingus’ often terrifying temperament, which gave him the nickname “The Angry Man of Jazz,” was … Read more

John Coltrane was one of the influential Jazz Musicians, American saxophonists, bandleaders, and composers. He became a jazz legend in the 20th century with recordings such as ‘Giant Steps,’ ‘My Favorite Things,’ and ‘A Love Supreme.’  Coltrane reached his goal as a dedicated jazz player coming from a proud, embedded musical culture, paying his debts … Read more

Walter Maynard Ferguson (May 4, 1928 – August 23, 2006) was a Canadian jazz trumpeter and bandleader. He was a world-famous big-band leader, one of the world’s greatest brass players, composer, arranger, committed music instructor, and instrument designer. He, being of the most influential jazz musicians, was known for his ability to play accurately in … Read more

The bandleader-pianist count Basie is regarded as one of the all-time geniuses and influential persona of jazz music. Count Basie was a key figure in shaping the big-band style that marked popular pieces in the mid-twentieth century. He pioneered the big-band swing style, and his unusual skill of merging blues and jazz aided in establishing … Read more

Billie Holiday, a jazz legend, sought to communicate with an audience signing each note as an expression of her own life.  Billie’s singing conveyed much more, making each song her own with her distinct style. She had a fighting spirit and a voice like no other; she deserved better than what the world delivered her.  … Read more