About
Jazz artist who played a pivotal part in taking the Blue Note label in the direction of hard bop during the 1960s when he was a producer.
Before Fame
He developed an affinity for the trumpet in high school and college to the point that he ignored the piano.
Trivia
He died from multiple sclerosis in 1980 after being diagnosed with it in the 1970s.
Family Life
His mother Emily Pearson was his first piano teacher at the age of six. He continued with these studies until he was 12.
Associated With
His uncle dubbed him Duke. His uncle was, not surprisingly, a huge fan of Duke Ellington.
