Jazz Musicians

Art Blakey

Drummer and leader of the Jazz Messengers, a hard bop ensemble ofthe 1940's. In the 60s, 70s, and 80s, when artists on the cutting edge were attempting to transform the music, Blakey continued to play more or less the same as he had since the 40s, when his cohorts included the likes of Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Fats Navarro. Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1982.

Roy Eldridge

Jazz trumpeter. Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1985.

Stanley Turrentine

Born to a musical family, father Thomas played tenor saxaphone, mother played piano, brother Tommy the trumpet and brother Marvin drums. Stanley played tenor sax, mixing jazz with blues, rock, rhythm and blues and pop. In the 50's, played with Lowell Fulson, Earl Bostic, and Max Roach's bands. In the 1960s, worked with organist Jimmy Smith and made many soul jazz recordings both with Smith and as a leader. Had his biggest hit "Sugar" in 1970. Then turned to jazz fusion, but returned to soul jazz in the 80's and 90's. Career began in Pittsburgh and came back to his roots for his final journey. Buried in Allegheny Cemetery, Section 26, Lot 722.

Mary Lou Williams

Played piano professionally from a very early age. Known throughout Pittsburgh as "the little piano girl," was often heard at private parties including those of the Mellons and the Olivers, well before she was ten years old. Was exposed to some of the greats, taken by her family to the theater to hear and see musicians at work.

In 1925, joined a group led by John Williams, whom she married. In 1930 became a regular member of Andy Kirk's band, of which John too was a member. The fame of Kirk's band in the 1930s was due largely to her distinctive arrangements, compositions, and solo performances on piano. Later rovided noteworthy swing-band scores for Benny Goodman, Earl Hines, Tommy Dorsey, and others. A swinging, percussive player, she was a major force in the development of Kansas City swing and the bebop revolution. Achieved and maintained unwavering respect from her male colleagues and treatment as a musical equal.

Erroll Garner

Musician and composer best known for "Misty." Was a professional pianist at age seven over KDKA radio. After high school, was featured with the Slam Stewart Trio. Later he formed his own trio, and appeared at the Paris Jazz Festival in 1948. Was the first jazz artist presented by impresario Sol Hurok, and was among the first to give concerts in the outdoor circuits. Tours included a number of European visits, concerts, television appearances and live venues including the Seattle World's Fair. Other popular song and instrumental compositions include "Dreamy," "Solitaire," "Blues Garni," "Trio," "Turquoise," "Other Voices," "No More Shadows," "Passing Through," "Dreamstreet," Theme from A New Kind of Love, "Paris Mist," "Play, Play, Play" and "Erroll's Bounce."

Ray Brown

Jazz bassist. Collaborated with Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington. Along with Milt Jackson on vibes, drummer Kenny Clarke and John Lewis on piano, discovered a cool, comfortable chemistry, the signature of what became the Modern Jazz Quartet in 1952. Also enjoyed an 18-year association with the Oscar Peterson Trio. Is credited with discovering Canadian jazz singer Diana Krall in the early 1990s while seeing her perform in Nanaimmo, British Columbia, Canada. Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1997.