Brooks Kerr

Chester Monson Brooks Joseph Kerr III (December 26, 1951 – April 28, 2018) was an American jazz pianist. He was perhaps best known for being bandleader of a small group featuring Sonny Greer and Russell Procope and for his knowledge of Duke Ellington's work, which he often performed.

Early life and education Kerr was born in New Haven, Connecticut, to Chester Kerr, a notable editor who worked at Yale University Press from 1949 until 1979, and Edith Kerr (née Chilewich), an editor and writer.

Because of his blindness, his parents focused on teaching him to focus on other senses, notably music. Kerr learned the piano by assigning colors in his mind for each key. He became a child prodigy on the piano.

Discography 1974: Prevue, Brooks Kerr-Paul Quinichette Quartet with Gene Ramey & Sam Woodyard (Famous Door) 1975: Soda Fountain Rag (The Music Of Duke Ellington) (aka Poodle Dog Rag), Brooks Kerr (Chiaroscuro Records) 1981: Brooks Kerr Salutes Fats Waller, Brooks Kerr (Blue Wail Records) 1981: Brooks Kerr Salutes Irving Berlin, Brooks Kerr (Blue Wail Records) 1982: Brooks Kerr Salutes Duke Ellington, Brooks Kerr (Blue Wail Records)