Earl Rudolph "Bud" Powell, born on September 27, 1924, in Harlem, New York City, was a pioneering American jazz pianist and composer. He played a crucial role in the development of bebop, a style of jazz characterized by fast tempos, complex chord progressions, and intricate melodies. Powell's innovative approach to piano playing involved reducing the left hand's role to brief, syncopated chords, while the right hand executed fast, single-note lines, effectively translating the bebop language of saxophonists and trumpeters to the piano.

Powell's early exposure to music came from his family; his father was a stride pianist, and he began classical piano lessons at the age of five. He was influenced by jazz greats like Art Tatum and Thelonious Monk, with whom he frequently jammed at Harlem clubs such as Minton's Playhouse. In 1943, Powell joined Cootie Williams's band, gaining recognition for his technical proficiency and fluency.

Throughout his career, Powell faced significant personal challenges, including a severe beating by police in 1945 and subsequent mental health issues that led to multiple hospitalizations. Despite these setbacks, he produced seminal recordings with jazz legends like Charlie Parker and Max Roach, and composed jazz standards such as "Un Poco Loco," "Bouncing with Bud," and "Dance of the Infidels."

In 1959, Powell moved to Paris, joining a community of African-American expatriates. His time in Europe was marked by both creative output and ongoing health struggles, including tuberculosis. He returned to New York in 1964, where his health continued to decline until his death on July 31, 1966, in Brooklyn.

Bud Powell's legacy endures through his recordings and compositions, which continue to influence jazz pianists and musicians worldwide. His life and music have inspired films and written works, cementing his status as one of the greatest jazz pianists in history.