Musician, composer, teacher and all around jazz ambassador, Dr. Billy Taylor did it all!  His musical career is legendary. More than just the embodiment of “America’s Classical Music,” Billy fought for the recognition of Black musicians as key contributors to the American music scene … promoting jazz as a commentary against racial prejudice. Despite being one of the most remarkable jazz pianists of all time, the recipient of honors and awards worldwide, through it all, he always managed to remain a true gentleman of honor and humility.

(Upper left) In 2009 The Billy Taylor Trio takes George and Ira Gershwins’ The Man I Love to a whole new level, as Chip Jackson on bass and Steve Johns playing drums blend seamlessly with Taylor’s inimitable piano touch.  Winard Harper takes over on drums, and guest violinist John Blake, Jr. joins the group for Thelonious Monk’s own Blue Monk (upper right), recorded in 2000 at the C.D. Hylton High School, Woodbridge VA.

Also in 2000, that same trio welcomes the new millennium at the Manchester Craftsman’s Guild in Pittsburgh with Pensativa (lower left), a jazz composition by pianist Clare Fischer … and Caravan (lower right) as Winard Harper stretches out with an amazing drum solo. For more Billy Taylor magic, don’t miss our previous posts from April 14, 2017; October 7, 2018; November 9, 2019 and November 22, 2024!