Willie Pickens’s biography, net worth, fact, career, awards and life story

Willie Pickens (born April 18, 1931) is an American jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and educator.

Early life

Pickens was born in Milwaukee on April 18, 1931. He studied piano formally from the age of 14. He attended Lincoln High School in Milwaukee with saxophonist Bunky Green. Pickens also studied at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.

Later life and career

Pickens joined the army in 1951. He obtained a B.S. in music education from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 1958 and moved to Chicago in the same year.

In the early 1960s, Pickens played on saxophonist Eddie Harris’ first four recordings for Vee-Jay Records.:655 His period with Harris lasted between 1960 and 1966. Pickens taught music at public schools from 1966 until 1990. He was also a faculty member of the American Conservatory of Music between 1971 and 1987.

Pickens recorded with clarinetist Buddy DeFranco in 1977,:364 and drummer Louis Bellson in 1994.:109 Pickens played in drummer Elvin Jones’ band between 1990 and 1997, including internationally.

According to The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, “Pickens appeared regularly at international jazz festivals and performed at Chicago Jazz Festival almost yearly from its inception.” For jazz musicians in Chicago, Pickens has become “a revered mentor to younger players and a symbol of the music itself”, in the words of a Chicago Tribune commentator. He has taught at Northern Illinois University’s School of Music since 1997. The saxophonist Lou Donaldson recently told Donald Harrison, “Willie Pickens is one of the last great bebop pianist.”

Personal life

Pickens’ wife is Irma Pickens. A daughter, Bethany, also plays the piano professionally and has recorded with her father.

Discography

An asterisk (*) indicates that the year is that of release.

As leader/co-leader

As sideman

Main source: