Are you fond of listening to Jazz? Or may be you have heard of “Bop Redux”, “I Remember You” or even “Steal Away”? These were some of the great music of the legendary Jazz pianist, Hank Jones.
However, the legend died only this Sunday, at the age of 91. Jones, the eldest and sole surviving brother of the three Jones boys of Pontiac died in a New York hospital after a short illness. Jones, who was admired by most his peers was truly a perfect pianist.
Hank Jones truly is a Legend. He has contributed to music a lot especially to Jazz. According to Hank, “when you listen to a pianist, each note should have an identity, each note should have a soul of its own.” We can see here that he gives meaning to music because he gives meaning to every note. He takes his music in to his heart thus he played all his compositions by heart. He has a unique style in playing as you can hear his music.
Let’s have short biography of Hank Jones. He was born on July 31, 1918 in Vicksburg, Miss., and he grew up in Pontiac, Michigan in a family rich with musical talent. His parents were the one that encouraged him and his brothers to play music. Do you know who Hank’s earliest influence is? It was pianist Fats Waller who played in the bouncy ragtime stride piano style. Jones used to listen to Fats Waller records on the radio before he left for school during high school. Jones also idolized Earl “Fatha” Hines and the great Teddy Wilson, spinning their sides as a teenager, emulating their styles. How ever, Jones’ greatest influence was the legendary Art Tatum. Hank was in awe of Tatum’s energy, creativity, and flawless technique.
Hank Jones was a very big influence in the music for many decades. He has also won only last year the Lifetime Achievement Grammy and had many nominated music through out the century.
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