Willie Pickens

Willie Pickens (April 18, 1931 – December 12, 2017) was an American jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and educator.

Early life Pickens was born in Milwaukee on April 18, 1931. He studied piano formally from the age of 14. Pickens also studied at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. Pickens played in drummer Elvin Jones' band between 1990 and 1997,

According to The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, "Pickens appeared regularly at international jazz festivals and performed at Chicago Jazz Festival almost yearly from its inception." For jazz musicians in Chicago, Pickens has become "a revered mentor to younger players and a symbol of the music itself", in the words of a Chicago Tribune commentator. Saxophonist Lou Donaldson once told Donald Harrison, "Willie Pickens is one of the last great bebop pianists."

Pickens died of a heart attack in Manhattan, New York, at the age of 86. His wife, Irma, died in 2015 after 55 years of marriage. A daughter, Bethany, also plays the piano professionally and has recorded with her father.

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

As leader/co-leader Concord Jazz Duo, with Marian McPartland (piano) 2005 Mr Swing|Pony Canyon Trio, with George Mraz (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums); also released as Dark Eyes|- 2005 Jazz Spirit, Volume 1|Southport Some tracks solo piano; some tracks duo, with Bethany Pickens (piano); other tracks include Pat Mallinger (tenor sax, alto sax), Ari Brown (tenor sax), Tito Carril (flugelhorn), Marlene Rosenberg, Rob Amster, Larry Gray (bass; separately), Kobie Watkins, Robert Shy (drums; separately) 2005 Jazz Spirit, Volume 2|Southport As Jazz Spirit, Volume 1; differences are Pat Mallinger (alto sax), Tito Carrillo (trumpet, flugelhorn) 2010* Just Like Me''SkiptoneDuo, with Milton Suggs (vocals)

As sideman

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