I never got to hear Dr Billy Taylor play live although I heard him on disc many times and also read a number of his essays on jazz both historical and theoretical. In a lot of ways he was the most erudite jazz person of them all whilst at the same time being an introvert when it came to telling the world of his importance to jazz and its students.
There's a host of his work available. I've just been listening to a lovely version of There Will Never Be Another You but whether it be standards or his own anthem to freedom - I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free - Billy Taylor is ranked up there with them.
Billy Taylor died yesterday, Dec 28, 2010 - aged 89.
R.I.P.
Lance.
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