McCoy Tyner
Alfred McCoy Tyner, born on December 11, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was an American jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer renowned for his technical virtuosity and innovative improvisations. Encouraged by his mother, Tyner began piano lessons at the age of 13 and was influenced by bebop pianist Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk. By 15, music had become the central focus of his life.
Tyner's career took a significant turn when he met saxophonist John Coltrane in 1955. After a brief period with Art Farmer and Benny Golson's group in 1959, he joined Coltrane's legendary quartet in 1960. With Coltrane, Tyner developed his distinctive pentatonic chord-playing style and contributed to iconic recordings such as "A Love Supreme" and "My Favorite Things."
In 1965, Tyner embarked on a solo career, leading various ensembles and working extensively as a sideman. He recorded numerous albums, including "The Real McCoy" (1967) and "Sahara" (1972). Tyner was a five-time Grammy Award winner and an NEA Jazz Master, recognized as one of the most influential jazz pianists of the 20th century.
Tyner converted to Islam in the mid-1950s, adopting the name Sulaimon Saud. He continued to perform and record until his passing on March 6, 2020, in New Jersey. His legacy endures through his profound impact on jazz music and his contributions to the genre's development.
App
