Died On This Date (May 16, 2010) Hank Jones / Acclaimed Jazz Pianist
themusicsover Hank Jones
July 31, 1918 – May 16, 2010
Hank Jones was a multi-Grammy nominated jazz pianist who came from a musical family that included brothers, Thad Jones and Elvin Jones. An early adapter to the instrument, Jones began playing around his neighborhood in his early teens, and before he knew it, he was playing with Ella Fitzgerald. That was from 1948 to 1953, after which he played with the likes of Charlie Parker, Benny Goodman and Cannonball Adderley, to name just of few of the greats with whom he collaborated. Throughout the ’60s and early ’70s, Jones played in the CBS house band which afforded him the opportunity to play on the Ed Sullivan Show over the years. One highlight was backing Frank Sinatra. Jones released nearly 20 albums throughout his career, and played as a sideman on at least that many as well. He stayed active nearly up to the time of his passing. Hank Jones was 91 when he died on May 16, 2010.
What You Should Own
Wayman Tisdale first came to the world’s attention as an NBA basketball player for the Indiana Pacers and later the gold medal winning US Olympic basketball team of 1984. Tisdale averaged 15 points and six rebounds per game over his twelve-season career, playing with the Pacers, Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns. After retiring from basketball, Tisdale pursued his other dream, music. But unlike most other professional athletes who dabbled in music, Tisdale avoided rap and focused on smooth jazz. In the early ’90s, Tisdale started the Fifth Quarter Band, for which he played bass. The band was signed to MoJazz Records and released their debut in 1995. He went on to release seven more albums that included such guests as George Duke, Bob James, Dave Koz and country star, Toby Keith. Tisdale was diagnosed with cancer in his knee in early 2008, he had broken the knee falling down a flight of stairs. His leg was partially amputated in May of 2008. Plans for a 21-date concert tour were cut short when Wayman Tisdale died of cancer in a Tulsa hospital. He was just 44.
