Dick Hyman
b. Richard Hyman, 8 March 1927, New York City, New York, USA. After studying classical music, Hyman broadened his interests to encompass jazz and many other areas of music. In the late 40s he played piano in and around his home-town, working with Red Norvo and Benny Goodman and leading bop musicians, including founding fathers Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. Early in the 50s he began a long career as a studio musician, playing piano, arranging, composing and leading orchestras. He was staff pianist at WMCA and WNBC-New York from 1951-57, and music director of Arthur Godfrey And His Friends from 1958-62. His work in the studios did not keep him from actively participating in jazz dates, many of which he himself organized. He enjoyed a US Top 10 hit single in 1956 with "Moritat (A Theme From 'The Three Penny Opera')", credited to The "Unforgettable" Sound Of The Dick Hyman Trio. Hyman also became deeply interested in the history of jazz and especially the development of jazz piano. He demonstrated his interest in radio broadcasts and concert performances, with his enormously eclectic taste allowing him to range from ragtime to freeform with complete confidence. Through performances and recordings with the New York Jazz Repertory Company, he encouraged interest in the music of Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Waller, James P. Johnson and Louis Armstrong. He also formed a small group, the Perfect Jazz Repertory Quintet.
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Top Tracks
- There Will Never Be Another You
- Blue Skies
- Mine
- Soft Lights and Sweet Music
- Washington Square
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