Sadik Hakim facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sadik Hakim
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![]() Sadik Hakim circa 1965
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Background information | |
Birth name | Forrest Argonne Thornton |
Born | Duluth, Minnesota, U.S. |
July 15, 1919
Died | June 20, 1983 New York City, New York |
(aged 63)
Genres | Jazz, bebop |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instruments | Piano |
Years active | 1940s–1980s |
Sadik Hakim (born Forrest Argonne Thornton; July 15, 1919 – June 20, 1983) was a talented American jazz pianist and composer. He was known for his unique piano style and played with many famous jazz musicians during his career.
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Early Life and Music
Forrest Argonne Thornton was born on July 15, 1919, in Duluth, Minnesota. He got his middle name, Argonne, from a big battle in World War I. His grandfather taught him how to play music. Sadik played music in his hometown before moving to Chicago.
A Career in Jazz Music
In 1944, while in Chicago, Sadik Hakim was discovered by a famous saxophone player named Ben Webster. Ben brought him to New York City to play piano in his band. The next year, he played on some recordings with the legendary Charlie Parker.
From 1946 to 1948, Sadik toured and recorded with another great saxophonist, Lester Young. In 1947, he changed his name to Sadik Hakim. This was a Muslim name.
Playing Around the World
In the 1950s, Hakim played in Canada with Louis Metcalf. He also toured with James Moody from 1951 to 1954. Later, he was part of Buddy Tate's orchestra from 1956 to 1960.
Sadik Hakim made his first recording as a band leader in 1962. This album was shared with another pianist, Duke Jordan. Around 1966, he moved to Montreal, Canada, and played in many nightclubs there. He also toured Europe for a year.
In 1976, he played at a festival in his hometown of Duluth. After that, he returned to New York. He even toured Japan in 1979 and 1980.
His Own Music
Sadik Hakim started recording his own music again in 1973. His music was released by different record companies. He also said that he wrote a song called "Eronel." This song is usually thought to be a composition by Thelonious Monk.
Sadik Hakim passed away in New York City on June 20, 1983. He had a daughter named Louize Hakim. She is a clothing designer in Hawaii.
Sadik's Playing Style
Music experts have described Sadik Hakim's piano playing as very special. In the 1940s, he had a unique "boppish" style. He would play unusual, sometimes clashing, notes. He also used repetition to build excitement in his music. This made him stand out from other pianists of his time.
Later in his career, his playing became a bit more traditional. Some compared his style to another famous pianist, Bud Powell. However, they also noted that Hakim had his own distinct way of playing.