Billy Taylor Creating a Buzz

The doctor is in. Dr. Billy Taylor is turning 80 years old and celebrations are in effect in Washington, D.C. and New York, where Taylor plays regularly as the house jazz pianist at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

On Oct. 10, the Library of Congress will present the Billy Taylor Trio and the Julliard String Quartet in a performance of Taylor’s “Homage.” New York’s Schomburg Center will feature Taylor and special guests in an Oct. 20 performance. On Jan. 20, 2002, the Kennedy Center will host a series of performances by Arturo Sandoval, Ramsey Lewis, Clark Terry, Marian McPartland and more in yet another tribute to Taylor’s birthday.

Taylor has been an articulate spokesperson for jazz music since the early 1950s and continues to produce lively piano-based albums, including his latest release, Urban Griot (Soundpost), slated for release Aug. 28.

For tickets to the performances, contact the individual venues.

Originally Published July 24, 2001