Despite being misunderstood for much of his career, pianist Cecil Taylor is one of the most important figures in avant-garde jazz. He released his first album in 1956, and by the ‘60s, he'd abandoned his bebop leanings for an approach that blurred the lines between free jazz and classical music, while incorporating everything from the blues to R&B and gospel. Throughout his career, Taylor has collaborated with countless jazz greats, from Steve Lacy to Elvin Jones, and has mentored many younger jazz mavericks, including Anthony Braxton and William Parker.