Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

November 1, 1939 in Newton, MA

 

Roger Kellaway is a renowned American composer, pianist, and arranger who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on November 1, 1939, in Waban, Massachusetts, Kellaway grew up in a musical family. His mother was a pianist, and his father was a violinist. Kellaway started playing the piano at the age of six and showed exceptional talent from an early age. Kellaway's musical education began at the New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied classical piano. However, he soon became interested in jazz and started playing in local clubs. In 1960, Kellaway moved to New York City, where he quickly established himself as a sought-after pianist and arranger. He played with jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, and Clark Terry, among others. In the 1970s, Kellaway began to focus more on composing and arranging. He wrote music for films, television shows, and commercials, including the theme for the hit TV series "All in the Family." Kellaway's music was also featured in several films, including "A Star is Born" and "Barbra Streisand: The Concert." Kellaway's classical compositions are characterized by their melodic and harmonic complexity, as well as their use of jazz and popular music elements. One of his most famous works is "Suite for Trio," which was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and premiered in 1986. The piece is a fusion of classical, jazz, and Latin music and features Kellaway on piano, bassist Bob Magnusson, and drummer Peter Erskine. Another notable work by Kellaway is "The Morning Song," which was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and premiered in 1990. The piece is a tribute to the victims of the AIDS epidemic and features a choir, soloists, and orchestra. Kellaway's use of gospel and pop music elements in the piece reflects his belief that music can bring people together and heal emotional wounds. Kellaway has also written several works for solo piano, including "Remembering You," which is a tribute to his friend and mentor, the jazz pianist Bill Evans. The piece is a beautiful and haunting melody that showcases Kellaway's virtuosity on the piano. In addition to his classical compositions, Kellaway has continued to work in jazz and popular music. He has recorded over 200 albums as a leader and sideman, and his music has been featured in numerous films and TV shows. Kellaway has also collaborated with many famous musicians, including Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, and Tony Bennett. Kellaway's contributions to the world of music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1989, he won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement for "Memos from Paradise." He has also been nominated for several other Grammy Awards and has received awards from ASCAP, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Los Angeles Jazz Society. In conclusion, Roger Kellaway is a highly respected composer, pianist, and arranger who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His music is characterized by its melodic and harmonic complexity, as well as its use of jazz and popular music elements. Kellaway's works for solo piano, choir, and orchestra reflect his belief that music can bring people together and heal emotional wounds. His contributions to the world of music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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