Artist Biography
Jazz pianist Mary Lou Williams was a child prodigy and seasoned professional by the time she reached her teenage years. Probably best remembered for her playing with Andy Kirk's Clouds Of Joy, Williams also became the group’s chief arranger. Her skilful charts were used by Earl Hines, Tommy Dorsey, Louis Armstrong, and Benny Goodman, who had a hit with her composition “Roll ’Em.” As a pianist, her range was incredibly wide, encompassing stride and boogie-woogie, swing, and early bop. She even recorded a duo concert with avant-garde pianist Cecil Taylor. Her own compositions ranged from big band and bop to the classical piece “Zodiac Suite,” which was performed by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in the mid 1940s.
Hometown
Atlanta, GA, United States
Genre
Jazz