Danny Mixon facts for kids

Daniel Asbury Mixon (born August 19, 1949 – passed away May 1, 2026) was a talented American jazz pianist. He was known for his amazing piano playing and his contributions to jazz music.

Danny Mixon's Life and Music Career

Early Life and Musical Inspiration

Daniel Asbury Mixon, known as Danny, was born in Harlem, New York City, on August 19, 1949. He became a well-known jazz pianist. Danny first loved tap dancing and studied it at the Ruth Williams Dance Studio. He even went to the High School of Performing Arts to focus on dance. However, his visits with his grandfather to the famous Apollo Theater changed his path. Watching jazz artists perform there inspired him to switch to playing the piano.

Starting His Professional Music Career

When Danny was just 17 in 1966, he got a big opportunity. He was asked to play piano with trumpet player Sam Brown's band. They backed up the famous singer Patti LaBelle and her group, The Blue Belles. This was in Atlantic City. After this, Danny worked with other jazz musicians like Joe Lee Wilson for a few years. From 1971 to 1972, he regularly played with the talented Betty Carter.

Collaborations with Jazz Legends

Danny Mixon also formed his own jazz trio. He recorded music with a group called the Piano Choir. Throughout his career, he played with many important jazz artists. These included Kenny Dorham, Cecil Payne, and Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. He also worked with Frank Foster, Grant Green, Pharoah Sanders, Joe Williams (jazz singer), Eddie Jefferson, and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

In 1976, Danny joined the band of the legendary Charles Mingus. Later in the 1970s, he played with Dannie Richmond. He also toured across the United States with Yusef Lateef. For several years, Danny was a part of the famous Lionel Hampton Big Band.

Danny had a long-lasting musical partnership with Frank Foster. He played piano for Foster's Big Band, his group called Loud Minority, and his quartet, the Non-Electric Company.

Danny Mixon played piano on many different recordings. He worked with Hank Crawford on albums like Tight and After Dark. He also recorded music with his own group, The Danny Mixon Trio.

Awards and Recognition

Danny Mixon received special honors for his musical talent. In 2004, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem gave him an award. This award recognized him as a legendary pianist. In 2007, he was honored at the 18th Annual Legends Purple Carpet Awards. This event celebrated people who made great contributions to the arts and entertainment world.

Danny was also the musical director at the Lenox Lounge in Harlem. He often performed there with his trio until the lounge closed in 2012.

He continued to perform, including with Antoinette Montague at the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in Marcus Garvey Park in 2016. He played at many other places in New York City that year.

Danny Mixon's Legacy

Danny Mixon passed away on May 1, 2026, at the age of 76, after an illness. His music and contributions to jazz continue to inspire many.

Danny Mixon's Recordings

Danny Mixon recorded many albums throughout his career. He made music both as the main artist and by playing with other musicians.

Albums as a Leader

Some of the albums where Danny Mixon was the main artist include:

• Mixin' With Mixon (1983)
• Building Bridges (2004)
• Pass It On (2015)

He also recorded with a group called The Piano Choir on their album Handscapes (1974).

Albums as a Sideman

Danny played piano on albums for many other jazz artists. Here are a few examples:

• With Betty Carter on The Betty Carter Album (1976)
• With Hank Crawford on albums like Tight (1996) and After Dark (1998)
• With Charles Mingus on Cumbia & Jazz Fusion (1978)
• With Pharoah Sanders on Live in Paris (1975) (Lost ORTF Recordings) (2020)