THE BIRTH OF JAZZ

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On this day in 1909, LESTER YOUNG was born in Woodville, Mississippi.

He was a pioneer saxophonist who introduced an approach to improvisation that has provided much of the basis for modern jazz solo conception.

During his early years with the Count Basie Band, his lyrical swing solos complemented the singing of Billie Holiday perfectly.

He nicknamed her Lady Day, and she called him Prez, short for President.

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ALICE COLTRANE was born in Detroit, Michigan on this day in 1937. She studied classical music and jazz, but began playing jazz as a pianist in the early sixties.

She was an accomplished pianist, organist, harpist, and composer.

In 1965 she married the legendary saxophonist John Coltrane, and recorded with him and his band until his death in 1967. 

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To read the complete bios of these jazz pioneers, google-search their names.