Biography

Bud Powell (1924-1966) innovated bebop piano, and influenced subsequent generation of pianists. His unparalleled finesse and dexterity allowed him to play speedy one-note lines with ease, and set a new standard for jazz pianists. He began recording in 1944 with the Cootie Williams Band, and soon joined a cohort of bebop luminaries that included Charlie Parker, Max Roach, and Dizzy Gillespie. While Powell recorded frequently as a leader and earned tremendous respect in the jazz world, constant struggles with mental illness and hospitalization impacted his life. His sometimes erratic behavior created tensions with fellow musicians, and some treatments worsened his playing. However, Powell’s playing maintained its quality for the most part, and he recorded impressive projects throughout his career. Some of his most notable compositions include “Celia,” “Dance of the Infidels,” and “Tempus Fugit.” Although Powell died young in 1966, his playing inspired later piano greats like Chick Corea, Horace Silver, and McCoy Tyner.