Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

August 16, 1929 in Plainfield, NJ

Death

:

September 15, 1980 in New York City, NY

 

Bill Evans was an American jazz pianist and composer who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Born on August 16, 1929, in Plainfield, New Jersey, Evans began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. His mother was a pianist, and his father was a dance band drummer, so music was always a part of his life. Evans attended Southeastern Louisiana University for a year before transferring to North Texas State University, where he studied music theory and composition. After graduating in 1950, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. In the early 1950s, Evans played with a number of jazz musicians, including saxophonist Herbie Mann and trumpeter Miles Davis. He joined Davis' group in 1958 and played on several of his most famous albums, including "Kind of Blue" and "Sketches of Spain." Evans' playing on these albums was characterized by his delicate touch and his ability to create complex harmonies and melodic lines. In addition to his work with Davis, Evans also recorded several albums as a bandleader, including "New Jazz Conceptions" (1956), "Portrait in Jazz" (1959), and "Sunday at the Village Vanguard" (1961). These albums showcased his unique style of playing, which combined elements of classical music with jazz improvisation. One of Evans' most famous compositions is "Waltz for Debby," which he wrote in honor of his niece. The song was first recorded on the album "New Jazz Conceptions" and has since become a jazz standard. Other notable compositions by Evans include "Peace Piece," "Very Early," and "Blue in Green." Evans struggled with drug addiction throughout his career, which affected his health and his ability to perform. He died on September 15, 1980, at the age of 51 from a combination of cirrhosis, pneumonia, and a bleeding ulcer. Despite his relatively short career, Evans' influence on jazz and classical music has been profound. His innovative approach to harmony and melody has inspired countless musicians, and his compositions continue to be studied and performed by jazz musicians around the world.

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