Billy Taylor retires from Jazz in July after 27 years
Jazz great Billy Taylor, one of the founders of Jazz in July back in 1982, gave his final performance for the program at Bowker Auditorium on July 17.
Taylor, who turns 87 this week, was introduced by Willie L. Hill Jr., director of the Fine Arts Center. Hill reminded the audience that Taylor has been a stalwart of jazz education and a key personality in the Jazz in July program where he has supported and mentored more than 1,500 young people over the years. “You can’t even think about jazz or jazz education without Billy Taylor,” Hill said.
With Taylor on keyboards, Chip Jackson on bass and drummer Winard Harper, the trio also had help from guest violinist John Blake during the final performance. At the end, the audience was invited on stage to share a champagne toast.
Taylor’s musical credentials are beyond impressive. He played with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Art Tatum, his mentor. He was the house pianist at Birdland, the legendary New York City night club, and he was the musical director for the David Frost Show.
Taylor earned his doctorate from UMass Amherst in 1975 and was appointed Wilmer D. Barrett Professor of Music. In 1982, along with Frederick C. Tillis and the late Max Roach, he founded Jazz in July.
July 22, 2008.
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