R.I.P. Hank Jones, Legendary Jazz Pianist, Dead at 91

Hank Jones, Legendary Jazz Pianist, Dead at 91
Posted on May 17th 2010 12:20PM by Michael D. Ayers - Spinner


 Legendary jazz pianist Henry "Hank" Jones passed away Sunday at a hospice facility in New York at the age of 91. Throughout Jones's 60-plus-year career, he was known for what the Washington Post describes as a "light touch" around the piano, an in-depth understanding of bebop and the fast-paced phrasing that became a staple of modern jazz the '50s.



Born in Vicksburg, Miss., music -- jazz in particular -- seemed to run through Jones' blood. His brother Elvin became the storied drummer for most of John Coltrane's celebrated albums and another brother, Thad, was a celebrated trumpet player. But for Hank, the role of leader didn't emerge until later in his career. His early efforts can be heard on two influential albums from the late 1950s: Cannonball Adderley's 'Somethin' Else' and Coltrane's 'Bags & Trane.' He also logged recording sessions with Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, Dexter Gordon, Wes Montgomery and, more recently, Joe Lovano.

As a band leader himself, Jones released 19 albums and was honored in 1989 by the National Endowment for the Arts' Jazz Masters Award, the highest honor a jazz musician can receive from the NEA. In 2003, ASCAP recognized Jones' talents and recording contributions by bestowing the Jazz Living Legend Award upon him. And although he never won a Grammy despite five nominations, Jones was given the Lifetime Achievement award in 2009.

Check out Jones differentiating styles while he accompanies Charlie Parker, Coleman Hawkins, Ella Fitzgerald and several others in the video below


Charlie Parker - Alto Saxophone
Coleman Hawkins - Tenor saxophone
Hank Jones - Piano
Ray Brown - Double bass
Buddy Rich - Drums
Bill Harris - Trombone
Lester Young - Tenor saxophone
Harry Edison - Trumpet
Flip Phillips - Tenor saxophone
Ella Fitzgerald - Vocals, Scatting

The Lineup:

0:18 - Coleman Hawkins,
Hank Jones, Ray Brown, and Buddy Rich.

2:53 - Charlie Parker,
Hank Jones, Ray Brown, and Buddy Rich.

5:15 - Hank Jones,
Ray Brown, and Buddy Rich.

7:12 - Bill Harris, Lester Young,
Hank Jones, Ray Brown, and Buddy Rich.

10:43 - Flip Philips, Harry Edison,
Ella Fitzgerald, Bill Harris, Lester Young,
Hank Jones, Ray Brown, and Buddy Rich.

14:56 - The End
 Charlie Parker - Saxophone
Coleman Hawkins - Tenor saxophone
Hank Jones - Piano
Ray Brown - Double bass
Buddy Rich - Drums
Bill Harris - Trombone
Lester Young - Tenor saxophone
Harry Edison - Trumpet
Flip Phillips - Tenor saxophone
Ella Fitzgerald - Vocals, Scatting

The Lineup:
0:18 - Coleman Hawkins,
Hank Jones, Ray Brown, and Buddy Rich.
2:53 - Charlie Parker,
Hank Jones, Ray Brown, and Buddy Rich.
5:15 - Hank Jones,
Ray Brown, and Buddy Rich.
7:12 - Bill Harris, Lester Young,
Hank Jones, Ray Brown, and Buddy Rich.
10:43 - Flip Philips, Harry Edison,
Ella Fitzgerald, Bill Harris, Lester Young,
Hank Jones, Ray Brown, and Buddy Rich.
14:56 - The End