By: Jaclyn Breeze
Randy Weston, a composer and pianist, was born in Brooklyn, NY on April 6, 1926. Being in the city, he grew up listening to the many jazz stars that were always playing there. His biggest influence was Thelonius Monk, but he also cites Count Basie, Nat King Cole, Art Tatum, and Duke Ellington as other heroes. Randy was known as a true innovator and visionary, partly due to his ability to use the vast rhythmic heritage of Africa. He told in an interview that his dedication was due to his father telling him that he was “an African born in America.” Randy wanted to learn about himself, his parents, and his grandparents by learning about Africa. He moved to Morocco in the late 1960s and traveled throughout the continent learning about all of the different music the countries had to offer. He said that he eventually realized that American and African music were different, but similar because if you took the African elements out of jazz, you’d have nothing.
Randy was honored with numerous awards during his life including a Composer of the Year award from Downbeat Magazine, several honorary Doctorates, the Legends of Jazz award from the National Jazz Musem, and is part of the ASCAP Jazz Wall of Fame. Randy passed away at age 92 in his home in Brooklyn.
Listen to some of his work here:
