Role

:

Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

1960

Death

:

November 1, 2004

 

Mark Ledford was an American jazz and classical musician, composer, and producer. He was born on August 23, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Ledford started playing the piano at the age of four and later learned to play the trumpet, guitar, and bass. Ledford attended the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, where he studied classical music and jazz. He then went on to study at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in trumpet performance. After graduating from college, Ledford began his career as a freelance musician, playing with various jazz and classical ensembles. He also worked as a session musician, recording with artists such as Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, and Quincy Jones. In 1988, Ledford released his debut album, Miles 2 Go, which featured his own compositions and arrangements. The album received critical acclaim and helped establish Ledford as a rising star in the jazz world. Over the next few years, Ledford continued to perform and record with various artists, including Bobby McFerrin, Wynton Marsalis, and Joe Sample. He also worked as a composer and arranger, writing music for films, television shows, and commercials. In 1993, Ledford released his second album, Jazzical, which blended elements of jazz and classical music. The album featured Ledford's original compositions as well as his arrangements of classical pieces by composers such as Bach and Mozart. In 1994, Ledford received a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo for his performance on the song "Hide and Seek" from the album Handprints by jazz pianist Chick Corea. Ledford continued to perform and record throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, collaborating with artists such as George Benson, Al Jarreau, and David Sanborn. He also worked as a producer, overseeing recordings by artists such as Regina Belle and Kirk Whalum. In 2004, Ledford released his third album, Miles 2 Go Revisited, which featured new arrangements of songs from his debut album as well as some new compositions. The album received positive reviews and showcased Ledford's versatility as a musician and composer. In addition to his work as a musician, Ledford was also a dedicated educator. He taught at various music schools and workshops, including the Berklee College of Music in Boston and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz in Los Angeles. Tragically, Ledford's life was cut short when he passed away on August 6, 2004, at the age of 43. He had been diagnosed with lymphoma earlier that year and had been undergoing treatment. Despite his untimely death, Ledford's legacy as a musician and composer lives on. His innovative blend of jazz and classical music continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world. He was a true artist who left an indelible mark on the world of music.

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