Kenny Drew Jr. facts for kids

Kenny Drew Jr. (born June 14, 1958 – died August 3, 2014) was a talented American jazz pianist. He was known for his powerful, bluesy piano style, often using big chords with both hands. He could also play very fast and exciting musical runs. Kenny Drew Jr. was the son of another famous jazz pianist, Kenny Drew. However, Kenny Drew Jr. said his father was not his main musical inspiration.

Biography

Kenny Drew Jr. started learning classical music when he was young. His aunt and grandmother taught him. As a teenager, he became interested in jazz and pop music. He first played in funk bands. Later, he focused on jazz piano.

In 1990, he won an important music contest called The Great American Jazz Piano Competition in Jacksonville, Florida. Kenny Drew Jr. continued to perform jazz music. He also played some chamber music, which is classical music for small groups of instruments. His piano style was a bit like his father's, but it was also very different. People thought Kenny Drew Jr. had a wider range of musical interests than his father.

From 1977 to 1978, Kenny Drew Jr. went to Iona College in New Rochelle, New York. While there, he became the pianist for the Iona College Singers. This group performed to promote the college in high schools and retirement homes.

Kenny Drew Jr. said that Thelonious Monk was a big influence on his music. Like Monk, he often recorded and performed by himself on the piano.

Kenny Drew Jr. passed away at his home in St. Petersburg, Florida, on August 3, 2014.

Discography

Kenny Drew Jr. recorded many albums as a leader and also played on albums for other musicians. Some of his albums as a leader include:

• The Flame Within (1987)
• Kenny Drew, Jr. (1991)
• Kenny Drew Jr. at Maybeck (1994) – This was a solo piano concert.
• Portraits of Mingus & Monk (1994)
• Secrets (1995)
• This One's for Bill (1995) – Another solo piano album.
• Crystal River (1995)
• Remembrance (1999)
• Live at Montreux (1999) – A live solo piano concert.

He also played piano on many albums for other jazz artists, such as:

• Charnett Moffett
• Mingus Big Band
• Stanley Turrentine
• Ravi Coltrane
• Nat Adderley
• Ronnie Cuber
• Johnny Griffin
• Paquito D'Rivera