About
First sole recipient of the Polar Music Prize. He blended gospel, blues, and folk into his works.
Before Fame
He performed cocktail piano while attending the Berklee College of Music. He was hired by Art Blakey for the Jazz Messengers after he moved to New York City.
Trivia
His first solo piano album was Facing You from 1971, which was followed by Staircase in 1976, The Moth and the Flame from 1981, and several others.
Family Life
He was a musical prodigy as a child who was known for his absolute pitch. He started learning piano at three, had his first recital at age seven, and also appeared on a TV talent show.
Associated With
He received the Léonie Sonning Music Prize in 2004, becoming the second jazzman behind Miles Davis to receive the honor.
