Percy Heath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Percy Heath
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Percy Heath, New York City, June 1977
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| Background information | |
| Born | April 30, 1923 Wilmington, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | April 28, 2005 (aged 81) Southampton, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz, cool jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Double bass |
| Associated acts | Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Heath, Miles Davis, Johnny Griffin, Modern Jazz Quartet, The Heath Brothers |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Forces |
| Years of service | 1944–1946 |
| Battles/wars | World War II
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Percy Heath (born April 30, 1923 – died April 28, 2005) was an amazing American jazz musician. He played the double bass, which is a very large string instrument. Percy was known for his smooth and steady bass playing.
He was the brother of famous saxophonist Jimmy Heath and drummer Albert Heath. Together, they formed a popular group called the Heath Brothers in 1975. Percy also played with many other jazz legends. These included Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk. He was a key member of the famous Modern Jazz Quartet for many years.
Contents
Early Life and Music Journey
Percy Heath was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, in the United States. He grew up in Philadelphia. Music was a big part of his family. His father played the clarinet, and his mother sang in the church choir.
Percy started playing the violin when he was eight years old. He also enjoyed singing in his local area. In 1944, he joined the Army during World War II. He trained to be a pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen. He became a 2nd Lieutenant pilot, but he did not fight in the war.
Starting a Music Career
After the war, Percy decided to become a musician. He bought a stand-up bass and went to the Granoff School of Music in Philadelphia. Soon, he was playing jazz in clubs around the city. He performed with many top artists.
In 1948, he recorded music with his brother Jimmy in Chicago. They were part of the Howard McGhee Sextet. Later, Percy and Jimmy moved to New York. They started working with Dizzy Gillespie's band. Percy also played with Joe Morris's band around this time.
The Modern Jazz Quartet
Percy Heath became famous for his work with the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ). This group started with other musicians from Dizzy Gillespie's big band. These included pianist John Lewis, drummer Kenny Clarke, and vibraphonist Milt Jackson. They often played short musical breaks during Gillespie's concerts. These breaks became very popular.
In 1952, the group officially formed the Modern Jazz Quartet. Percy Heath joined as the bassist. The MJQ played together for many years. They stopped playing in 1974 but got back together in 1981. Their last recording was in 1993.
The Heath Brothers and Solo Work
In 1975, Percy Heath formed the Heath Brothers with his brothers and pianist Stanley Cowell. Sometimes, Percy would play the cello instead of the bass in these performances.
Percy Heath played on about 300 different recordings during his 57-year career. In 1989, he received a special award. He got an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music.
In 2003, when he was 80 years old, Percy released his first album as a band leader. It was called A Love Song. The album received great reviews. It was a wonderful way to end his long and successful career. His brother Albert Heath played drums on the album.
Later Life and Legacy
Percy Heath passed away on April 28, 2005, just two days before his 82nd birthday. He died in Southampton, New York, after battling bone cancer. The month after he died, another bassist named William Parker recorded a tribute album for him. It was called For Percy Heath.
Percy was also a very keen fisherman. He loved fishing for striped bass. He spent many days fishing along the coast of Montauk Point. He was well-liked by the people in the community and by other fishermen. He also enjoyed spending time on his fishing boat, which he named "The Fiddler."
On May 27, 2006, a special memorial was placed for Percy Heath. It was a plaque set into a large stone at Turtle Cove in Montauk Point. His wife June and his three sons attended the ceremony.
Discography
As leader
- A Love Song (2003), with Jeb Patton (piano), Peter Washington (bass), Albert "Tootie" Heath (drums)
As a member of the Modern Jazz Quartet
Percy Heath was a core member of the Modern Jazz Quartet. He played on many of their albums, helping to create their unique sound. Some of their notable albums include:
- Vendome (1952)
- Fontessa (1956)
- Pyramid (1960)
- Blues on Bach (1973)
Images for kids
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Percy Heath, New York City, June 1977
See also
In Spanish: Percy Heath para niños
