Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 2001.
Jazz pianist, leader and composer.
Co-founder (with drummer Kenny Clarke) of the Modern Jazz Quartet in 1952. He first met Clarke in 1943 during military service while assigned to an army brass band.
Entered college initially as a student of anthropology.
Replaced Thelonious Monk as pianist in Dizzy Gillespie's orchestra in 1947.