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Billy TaylorAmerican jazzman, pianist, composer, radio presenter and educator.
Date of Birth: 24.07.1921
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Billy Taylor
Billy Taylor was an American jazz musician, pianist, composer, radio host, and educator. Born in Greenville, North Carolina, he moved to Washington, D.C. at the age of five. Taylor earned a Bachelor's degree in music from Virginia State College in 1942 and later obtained both a Master's and a Doctorate degree from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Early Career
Taylor began his professional career in 1944, playing with Ben Webster's Quartet on New York's 52nd Street. He later became a regular pianist at the famous jazz club 'Birdland', performing alongside renowned musicians such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis. During this time, Taylor also formed a close friendship with the legendary pianist Art Tatum.
Television and Radio
In 1958, Taylor became the musical director of the NBC television show 'The Subject is Jazz', the world's first television series dedicated solely to jazz. In the 1960s, he worked as a radio DJ at WNEW in New York. Taylor also created the 'New York's Jazzmobile' project in 1961, providing high-quality educational courses on various forms of art, including jazz.
Later Career and Contributions
Throughout the 1960s, Taylor's 'Billy Taylor Trio' regularly performed at 'Hickory House' in Manhattan. From 1969 to 1972, he served as the musical director for 'The David Frost Show', making history as one of the few African Americans to hold such a position. In 1981, Taylor's Jazzmobile released a special project for National Public Radio, which received the Peabody Award.
In 1989, Taylor founded his own record label, 'Taylor Made', and released four albums. That same year, he co-founded 'The Jazz Foundation' with Ann Ruckert, Herb Storfer, and Phoebe Jacobs. The organization provided support for elderly jazz and blues performers across the United States, including those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Taylor continued his educational work and concert tours well into his 80s. He was invited to the White House and received awards from the President and Governor of New York. His television work earned him an Emmy Award for more than 250 interviews conducted for CBS's 'News Sunday Morning' program.
At the time of his passing, Taylor had received over 20 honorary doctorate degrees, two Peabody Awards, an Emmy Award, the NEA Jazz Masters Award, a Grammy, and numerous other prestigious accolades.
