Bill Lee (musician) facts for kids

William James Edwards Lee (born July 23, 1928 – died May 24, 2023) was a talented American musician. He was a composer, conductor, and actor. He is well-known as the father of famous film director Spike Lee. Bill Lee created original music for many of his son's movies. These include She's Gotta Have It (1986) and Do the Right Thing (1989). He also played a big part in many jazz albums from the Strata-East record label.

Bill Lee's Early Life and Family

William James Edwards Lee was born in Snow Hill, Alabama, in 1928. His mother, Alberta Grace Edwards, was a concert pianist. His father, Arnold Wadsworth Lee, was also a musician. Bill Lee graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1951.

He married his college sweetheart, Jacqueline Shelton. With Jackie, he had four children. These include film director Spike Lee (born 1957) and actress Joie Lee (born 1962). His other children are still photographer David Lee (born 1961) and filmmaker Cinqué Lee (born 1966). The family moved to Fort Greene, Brooklyn, in 1959. Later, with his second wife, Susan, he had another son, Arnold Lee, who plays the alto saxophone.

Bill Lee passed away at his home in Fort Greene on May 24, 2023. He was 94 years old.

Bill Lee's Music Career

Bill Lee was a very busy bass player. He played the bass for many famous artists. Some of these include Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, and Harry Belafonte. He also worked with Odetta, Judy Collins, and Peter, Paul and Mary.

On Bob Dylan's classic song "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue," Bill Lee played the bass guitar. He was the only musician on that song besides Dylan himself. He also played bass on Gordon Lightfoot's song Oh, Linda.

Music for Films

Bill Lee created music for many films, especially those directed by his son, Spike Lee.

• He was the music director and performer for the song "Nola" in She's Gotta Have It (1986).
• He conducted the Natural Spiritual Orchestra for School Daze (1988).
• He also conducted the Natural Spiritual Orchestra for Do the Right Thing (1989).
• He was the music director for Mo' Better Blues (1990).
• He composed the music for the short film Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads.

Acting Roles in Films

Besides making music, Bill Lee also acted in some films.

• He played Sonny Darling in She's Gotta Have It (1986).
• He was the bassist in the Phyllis Hyman Quartet in School Daze (1988).
• He played the Father of the Bride in Mo' Better Blues (1990).

Bill Lee's Discography

Bill Lee played on many albums throughout his career. Here are some of the notable ones:

• John Handy: No Coast Jazz (1960)
• Chris Anderson: My Romance (1960)
• Aretha Franklin: Aretha: With The Ray Bryant Combo (1961)
• John Lee Hooker: The Folk Lore of John Lee Hooker (1961)
• Judy Collins: Golden Apples of the Sun (1962)
• Simon & Garfunkel: Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. (1964)
• Peter, Paul & Mary: The Peter, Paul and Mary Album (1966)
• Gordon Lightfoot: Lightfoot! (1966)
• Clifford Jordan: Glass Bead Games (1974)
• The New York Bass Violin Choir - The New York Bass Violin Choir (Strata-East)

See also

In Spanish: Bill Lee para niños