Paul Taylor was a renowned classical music artist who made a significant contribution to the world of music. He was born on July 29, 1930, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to a family of musicians. His father was a doctor and a part-time pianist, while his mother was a professional dancer. Taylor grew up in a musical environment and started playing the piano at a young age. Taylor's talent for music was evident from an early age, and he received his first piano lessons from his mother. He later studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Juilliard School in New York City. During his time at Juilliard, he studied under the renowned pianist Rosina Lhévinne, who had a significant influence on his musical style. Taylor's career as a classical music artist began in the 1950s when he started performing in concerts and recitals. He quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent and became a sought-after pianist. He performed with some of the most prominent orchestras in the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. One of the highlights of Taylor's career was his performance at the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival. He was the first classical pianist to perform at the festival, and his performance was a huge success. He played a selection of classical pieces, including works by Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin, and received a standing ovation from the audience. Taylor's talent as a pianist was not limited to classical music. He was also an accomplished jazz pianist and performed with some of the most prominent jazz musicians of his time, including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Duke Ellington. He was known for his ability to blend classical and jazz styles, creating a unique sound that was all his own. In addition to his performances, Taylor was also a prolific composer. He wrote numerous pieces for piano, orchestra, and chamber ensembles. His compositions were known for their intricate harmonies and complex rhythms, and they were performed by some of the most prominent musicians in the world. Taylor's contributions to the world of music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He received the National Medal of Arts in 1992, the Kennedy Center Honors in 1994, and the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1997. He was also inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 2000. Despite his success, Taylor remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to perform and compose until his death on October 13, 2018, at the age of 88. His legacy as a classical music artist and composer lives on, and his contributions to the world of music will be remembered for generations to come.

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