Billy Taylor did it all … pianist, composer, educator, broadcaster, and worldwide ambassador for America’s Classical Music. More than just an avid spokesman for the jazz idiom, he fought for the recognition of Black musicians as key contributors to the American music scene, promoting jazz as a commentary against racial prejudice. For his performances and professional activities, Taylor (Dr. Taylor, actually) received two Peabody Awards, an Emmy, a Grammy, and a place in the Hall of Fame for the International Association of Jazz Educators.

His composition and radio theme, It’s a Grand Night For Swinging (top) features Ingrid Jensen on trumpet, Frank Wess on tenor, Russell Malone playing guitar, Chip Jackson at the bass, and Winard Harper on drums. The video is from “An Evening with Billy Taylor” at the Manchester Craftsman’s Guild. Billy’s All Alone (bottom) is also an original composition from the same performance in September of 2006.