Billy Childs is a renowned American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. He was born on March 8, 1957, in Los Angeles, California. Childs grew up in a musical family, and his mother was a singer. He started playing the piano at the age of six and was soon recognized as a prodigy. He attended the Hamilton High School Music Academy in Los Angeles, where he studied classical music and jazz. Childs began his professional career in the late 1970s, playing with jazz legends such as Freddie Hubbard, J.J. Johnson, and Joe Henderson. In 1982, he joined the band of trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and recorded several albums with him. Childs also worked as a sideman with other jazz musicians, including Dianne Reeves, Wynton Marsalis, and Branford Marsalis. In 1988, Childs released his debut album as a leader, "Take For Example, This...". The album received critical acclaim and established Childs as a major force in the jazz world. He followed up with several more albums, including "Twilight Is Upon Us" (1993), "I've Known Rivers" (1995), and "The Child Within" (1996). In addition to his work as a jazz pianist, Childs is also a prolific composer and arranger. He has written music for films, television, and the concert stage. His compositions have been performed by orchestras around the world, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the Kronos Quartet. One of Childs' most notable works is his jazz opera "Harrison's Dream," which premiered in 1997. The opera tells the story of a young African American boy who dreams of becoming a jazz musician. The work received critical acclaim and was performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. Childs has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2006, he won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition for his piece "Into the Light." He has also been nominated for several other Grammy Awards, including Best Jazz Instrumental Album and Best Arrangement. In 2013, Childs formed the Billy Childs Trio, which includes bassist Hans Glawischnig and drummer Eric Harland. The trio has released several albums, including "Map to the Treasure: Reimagining Laura Nyro" (2014), which features guest appearances by artists such as Renee Fleming, Yo-Yo Ma, and Alison Krauss. The album received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album. The Billy Childs Trio has performed at major jazz festivals around the world, including the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Newport Jazz Festival, and the North Sea Jazz Festival. They have also performed at prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center and the Blue Note Jazz Club. In addition to his work with the trio, Childs continues to perform as a solo artist and collaborates with other musicians. He is known for his virtuosic piano playing and his ability to blend jazz with classical and other genres. In conclusion, Billy Childs is a highly respected jazz pianist, composer, and arranger who has made significant contributions to the world of music. His career has spanned several decades, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his work. The Billy Childs Trio is a testament to his continued creativity and innovation, and they are sure to be a force in the jazz world for years to come.

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