Mary Lou Williams
is probably the most influential woman in the
history of jazz.
She taught herself to play piano as a child and began touring as a teenager.
Her contemporaries include everyone from Duke Ellington to Sun Ra to Thelonious Monk.
Whether composing and arranging for big bands, bebop groups or even sacred music and Catholic masses, Williams was always original.
history of jazz.
She taught herself to play piano as a child and began touring as a teenager.
Her contemporaries include everyone from Duke Ellington to Sun Ra to Thelonious Monk.
Whether composing and arranging for big bands, bebop groups or even sacred music and Catholic masses, Williams was always original.
Not only is she a noted composer and performer, but she's also an educator, teaching at the University of Michigan.
She shares her deep knowledge and passion for exploring African-American culture within her work.
She also led the Mary Lou Williams Collective, celebrating the music of the legendary jazz artist.
"The Gathering" is so full of life, it's liable to lift the spirit of anyone who listens to it.
"The Gathering" is so full of life, it's liable to lift the spirit of anyone who listens to it.