Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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PEARSON, Duke

(b Columbus Calvin Jr, 17 Aug. '32, Atlanta GA; d 4 Aug. '80) Pianist, composer, bandleader in lyrical, unpretentious post-bop style; also a teacher. Had tunes recorded by Cannonball Adderley, moved to NYC and joined Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet '60, became assistant producer at Blue Note '63--70, led part-time big band in NYC; accompanied singers Nancy Wilson, Dakota Staton, Carmen McRae, Joe Williams. Own LPs: sextet Dedication '61 on Prestige with Pepper Adams and Freddie Hubbard, two on Polydor '61--2, two on Atlantic '65--6, others on Blue Note: trio sets Profile and Tender Feelin's '59; Introducing Duke Pearson's Big Band '67, Now Hear This! '68 both with Adams, Randy Brecker, Frank Foster, Mickey Roker, Bob Cranshaw on bass, ten others; small- group sets: Wahoo '64, Sweet Honey Bee '66, The Right Touch '67, The Phantom '68, How Insensitive '69 (with solo title track, Airto and Flora Purim on some tracks), It Could Only Happen With You '70, plus Xmas LP Merry Ole Soul '69. His career was cut short by multiple sclerosis.