Billy Taylor, a pianist and composer who was also an eloquent spokesman and advocate for jazz as well as a familiar presence for many years on television and radio, died on Tuesday in Manhattan.
Taylor formed his own trio in 1951 and performed across the nation while developing a reputation as a lecturer and author. Many readers may remember him from his appearances on The David Frost Show and his programs on public radio and television, all beginning in the late '60s. Here is his New York Times obituary, continuing from the quotation above.
We can't leave the subject without listening to Taylor, the performer and teacher. These videos--two of five available on YouTube--were recorded at a master class at the Kennedy Center in Washington. The first shows Taylor at his best as performer, the second, as teacher with his protege, Christian Sands . The three additional videos from this class feature some fine performances by three young musicians who will be in the future of American music.
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