Terry Trotter is a renowned American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 18, 1948, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Trotter grew up in a musical family and started playing the piano at the age of five. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist, which exposed him to both genres of music at an early age. Trotter's passion for music continued to grow, and he went on to study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a degree in music education. After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. He quickly established himself as a talented pianist and began performing with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, and Natalie Cole. In the early 1980s, Trotter became a member of the L.A. Express, a jazz fusion band that included saxophonist Tom Scott, bassist Max Bennett, and drummer John Guerin. The band released several albums and toured extensively, gaining a loyal following of fans. Trotter's contributions to the band's sound were significant, and his piano playing was often the highlight of their performances. Trotter's career as a composer and arranger also took off during this time. He worked on numerous film and television projects, including the hit TV series "Cheers" and the films "The Color Purple" and "The Firm." His arrangements were praised for their sophistication and elegance, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after arrangers in the industry. In addition to his work as a composer and arranger, Trotter continued to perform as a pianist, both as a solo artist and with other musicians. He released several albums under his own name, including "It's About Time" and "Trotter Trio," which showcased his virtuosic piano playing and his ability to blend jazz and classical music seamlessly. Trotter's talent and hard work did not go unnoticed, and he received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1982, he won a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Group, for his work with the L.A. Express. He was also nominated for several other Grammy Awards throughout his career. In addition to his Grammy Award, Trotter received several other honors, including the Jazz Educator of the Year Award from the International Association for Jazz Education and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Los Angeles Jazz Society. He was also inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2010. Despite his success, Trotter remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to perform and record music until his death on March 17, 2021, at the age of 72. His legacy as a pianist, composer, and arranger will continue to inspire and influence musicians for generations to come.

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