Randy Weston

A pianist and composer who dedicated his career to exploring the deep African roots of jazz. Weston's piano style was uniquely percussive and majestic, drawing inspiration from Thelonious Monk and the rhythms he studied during his years living in Morocco. His compositions, like 'African Cookbook,' have become standards of the Afro-jazz canon. His large-ensemble work, often arranged by Melba Liston, created a powerful and swinging synthesis of post-bop and traditional African music.