Duke Pearson

Pianist, composer, and producer Duke Pearson (born August 17, 1932) is hardly a household name, but his influence on jazz music is far out of proportion to his personal fame. In addition to his compositions like "Jeanine" being accepted as jazz standards, his behind-the-scenes work as producer and arranger on a plethora of Blue Note records contributed immeasurably to that label’s success in its heyday. His piano playing and compositions were essential to the success of the Donald Byrd / Pepper Adams quintet, and for several years his New York-based big band and 8-10 piece bands featured many of the best jazz musicians in the city, and his fresh innovative original writing.