Ray Kennedy

Raymond Huston Kennedy Jr. (January 6, 1957 – May 28, 2015) was an American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. He was a member of John Pizzarelli's trio for more than a decade and recorded more than 10 albums under his own name.

Life and career Kennedy was born and grew up in Maplewood, Missouri, in 1957. His father was a bandleader, trumpeter and vocalist in the 1930s and 1940s in St. Louis.

Kennedy moved to New York City in his early twenties. after joining in 1993. With the John Pizzarelli Trio, Kennedy played with the New York Pops and Boston Pops orchestras, played for Broadway and off-Broadway productions, and toured internationally. In 2003 he recorded a piano duo album with Dick Hyman.

Around 2005, Kennedy, according to John Pizzarelli, "began expressing a desire to get off the road and spend more time with his family". Kennedy developed multiple sclerosis symptoms in 2006. He was survived by his wife, Eve Langner, and two daughters, Lauren and Brielle.

Playing style According to Michael Sorkin of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, "Kennedy was known for his finger technique and his ability to swing and improvise versions of well-known jazz works."

Discography An asterisk (*) indicates that the year is that of release.

As leader/co-leader

As sideman