Danny Mixon facts for kids

Daniel Asbury Mixon (born August 19, 1949) is an American jazz pianist. He was born in Harlem, New York City. Danny Mixon became well-known in the 1970s. He still records music and performs in New York and other countries.

Danny first started as a tap dancer. He went to the Ruth Williams Dance Studio. Later, he attended the High School of Performing Arts. He studied dance there. But he soon changed to playing the piano. This happened after his grandfather took him to see jazz artists. They played at the famous Apollo Theater.

Who is Danny Mixon?

Early Life and Musical Start

Danny Mixon began his musical journey at a young age. In 1966, when he was just 17, he got a big chance. He was invited to play with trumpet player Sam Brown's band. They backed Patti LaBelle & the Blue Bells. This was at Reggie's Cocktail Lounge in Atlantic City.

From 1967 to 1970, Mixon worked with Joe Lee Wilson. Then, he started playing regularly with Betty Carter. This was during 1971 and 1972.

Forming His Own Group

Danny Mixon later formed his own jazz trio. He also recorded with a group called the Piano Choir. He worked with many important jazz musicians. These included Kenny Dorham and Cecil Payne. He also played with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Other famous musicians he worked with were Frank Foster and Grant Green. He also played with Pharoah Sanders in 1975.

Danny Mixon also performed with great singers. These included Joe Williams (jazz singer) and Eddie Jefferson. He also played with Dee Dee Bridgewater.

Playing with Jazz Legends

In 1976, Mixon joined Charles Mingus' band. He then played with Dannie Richmond in the late 1970s. He also toured the U.S. with Yusef Lateef. For a few years, he played with the Lionel Hampton Big Band.

Since his twenties, Mixon has worked a lot with Frank Foster. He was a pianist for Foster's Big Band. He also played in Frank Foster's Loud Minority. And he was part of Foster's quartet, the Non-Electric Company.

Danny Mixon's Music and Awards

Recordings and Albums

Danny Mixon plays piano on many recordings. He appears with Hank Crawford on two CDs. These are Tight and After Dark. He has also recorded with The Danny Mixon Trio. His most recent CD is called On My Way.

Awards and Recognition

In 2004, Danny Mixon received a special award. It honored him as a legendary pianist. The National Jazz Museum in Harlem gave him this award. It was part of their “Harlem Speaks” series. This series honors Harlem Heroes.

In September 2007, Danny was honored again. This was at the 18th Annual Legends Purple Carpet Awards. These awards celebrate people who help the arts and entertainment industry. The event took place at Brooklyn's Toro's.

Musical Director Role

Danny Mixon was also the musical director of the Lenox Lounge. This famous club was in Harlem. He regularly played there with the Danny Mixon Trio. The Lenox Lounge closed in 2012.

In 2016, Danny Mixon performed with Antoinette Montague. This was at the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. It took place in Marcus Garvey Park in New York City. He also played at several other venues in New York City that year.

Selected Albums

As a Band Leader

• Mixin' With Mixon (1983)
• On My Way (2003)
• Building Bridges (2004)
• Pass It On (2015)

With Other Artists

• With The Piano Choir: Handscapes (1974)
• With Betty Carter: The Betty Carter Album (1976)
• With Hank Crawford: Tight (1996), After Dark (1998)
• With Charles Mingus: Cumbia & Jazz Fusion (1978)
• With Dannie Richmond: Ode to Mingus (1979)
• With Pharoah Sanders: Live in Paris (1975) (Lost ORTF Recordings) (2020)
• With Joe Lee Wilson: Without A Song (1978)