Willie Pickens facts for kids

Willie Pickens (born April 18, 1931 – died December 12, 2017) was an American jazz pianist. He was also a composer, who wrote music, an arranger, who changed music for different instruments, and an educator, who taught music.

Growing Up and Learning Music

Willie Pickens was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on April 18, 1931. He started learning to play the piano formally when he was 14 years old. Willie went to Lincoln High School in Milwaukee. He studied music at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.

Becoming a Musician and Teacher

In 1951, Willie Pickens joined the army. After his time in the army, he went to the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He earned a degree in music education in 1958. That same year, he moved to Chicago, a big city known for its music.

Playing with Famous Jazz Artists

In the early 1960s, Willie played piano for saxophonist Eddie Harris. He was part of Eddie Harris's band from 1960 to 1966. Willie also recorded music with clarinet player Buddy DeFranco in 1977. Later, in 1994, he played with drummer Louis Bellson. From 1990 to 1997, Willie Pickens was a member of drummer Elvin Jones's band. He traveled and performed with them all over the world.

Willie Pickens as an Educator

Besides playing music, Willie Pickens loved to teach. He taught music in public schools from 1966 until 1990. He also taught at the American Conservatory of Music for many years. Later, he taught at Northern Illinois University's School of Music. Many young jazz musicians in Chicago looked up to Willie. They saw him as a wise teacher and an important part of jazz music. Saxophonist Lou Donaldson once called him "one of the last great bebop pianists." Bebop is a fast and complex style of jazz music.

Family and Later Years

Willie Pickens passed away from a heart attack in New York City. He was 86 years old when he died on December 12, 2017. His wife, Irma, had passed away in 2015. They were married for 55 years. Willie and Irma had a daughter named Bethany. Bethany also plays the piano professionally, just like her father. She even recorded music with him.

Music Albums

Willie Pickens recorded many albums during his career. He made albums as the main artist and also played on albums for other musicians.

Albums as the Main Artist

• 1987: It's About Time! – This was a trio album, meaning he played with two other musicians.
• 1998: Jazz Christmas – A quartet album with four musicians, including Nicholas Payton on trumpet.
• 2000:' Ain't Misbehavin – A special album where he played piano with another pianist, Marian McPartland.
• 2005: Mr Swing – Another trio album.
• 2005: Jazz Spirit, Volume 1 and Volume 2 – These albums featured him playing solo piano and also with his daughter, Bethany Pickens.

Albums as a Sideman (Playing with Others)

Willie Pickens played piano on many albums for other jazz leaders. Some of these include:

• 1961: Exodus to Jazz with Eddie Harris.
• 1966: Playin' for Keeps with Bunky Green.
• 1977: Gone with the Wind with Buddy DeFranco.
• 1991: In Europe with Elvin Jones.
• 1994: Salute with Louie Bellson.
• 1995: Top and Bottom Brass with Clark Terry.