In The News

Jazz great Billy Taylor passes away

Jazz great Billy Taylor passes away

One of the greats of jazz, Billy Taylor, has died. He was 89.

The pianist began his career in New York in the 1940s in Ben Webster’s band. Before long he found himself in the midst of a movement which was to produce bebop.

Mr. Taylor was a prolific composer, producing some 300 works during his long career.

He was a master communicator and used his skills to advance the knowledge of Jazz during a great many radio interviews during the 1960s and then in later years through TV appearances.

Mr. Taylor also spent some time as a correspondent on CBS Sunday Morning Show – regularly producing interviews with fellow jazz musicians.

He was among the first jazz musicians to believe that the genre was “America’s classical music”.

During his career he played with many of the jazz greats. But he also devoted much time to introducing the music to young people.

He gained a doctorate of music education from the University of Massachusetts.

Mr. Taylor was an Emmy and Grammy winner.

 

View previous In the News items: Funeral takes place of BBC journalist Brian Hanrahan, Former Liverpool player declared brain dead, Wombles creator Elisabeth Beresford passes away, Support Hospice organisations and cancer groups at Christmas, Funeral takes place of respected Ulster historian, Funeral takes place of Disapeared victim, Funeral takes place of former MP , Weekend road accident victims are named , Funeral held of soldier from County Londonderry , Funeral takes place of Disappeared victim Gerry Evans , Northern Ireland woman dies in road accident in India , Well known artist passes away or Scientist who helped eradicate smallpox passes away

 

If you have a relative or a friend who has passed away and feel they should be mentioned in our In the News section, then please email us.