Chicago Jazz Pianist Willie Pickens Is Remembered For Performing And Teaching

by RAY SUAREZ
December 17, 20176:36 PM ET

RAY SUAREZ, HOST:

Let's take a moment to remember the Chicago Jazz pianist Willie Pickens, who died last week at age 86.

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SUAREZ: Pickens arrived on the Chicago jazz scene in 1958 and immediately drew attention with his freewheeling style. At a time when one-handed piano playing was in vogue, Willie Pickens cooked with both hands.

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RAMSEY LEWIS: I mean, the word was out. When you go to Chicago, check out where Willie's playing.

SUAREZ: Jazz pianist and composer Ramsey Lewis worked with Pickens at the Ravinia Jazz Mentors Program, where Pickens was a beloved teacher.

LEWIS: He had a way with children, a way of teaching. And get out of the way of his piano playing. I mean, he could play that piano.

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SUAREZ: Over the years, Pickens played with all the jazz greats and some who would grow up to be great. He taught in the Chicago Public Schools. And his own daughter, Bethany, grew into a talented jazz pianist in her own right. Last year, the two took to the stage at the Kennedy Center for NPR's annual Jazz Piano Christmas.

read more at: https://www.npr.org/2017/12/17/571514974/chicago-jazz-pianist-willie-pickens-is-remembered-for-performing-and-teaching