Jimmy Rowles

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jimmy Rowles (August 19, 1918 – May 28, 1996) was an American jazz pianist who was best known as an accompanist. He also released a number of albums under his own name, and explored various idioms including swing and cool jazz.

Born in Spokane, Washington, Rowles studied at the University of Washington, Seattle. After moving to Los Angeles, he joined Lester Young's group in 1942. Rowles also worked with Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Les Brown, Tommy Dorsey, and Tony Bennett, and as a studio musician.

In the 1950s and 1960s, he frequently played behind Billie Holiday and Peggy Lee, and in the 1980s he worked with Ella Fitzgerald.

In 1973, Rowles settled in New York City, where he performed and/or recorded with Zoot Sims and Stan Getz, among others.

He composed several jazz pieces, the best known being "The Peacocks" which is performed on the alto flute by Gary Foster on Foster's album "Make your own Fun". Rowles also performs on this album. The song is also featured on Foster's upcoming release "Perfect Circularity".

In 1994, he accompanied jazz singer Jeri Brown on the only album containing only his own compositions, "A Timeless Place".

Jimmy Rowles' daughter, Stacy Rowles, plays fluegelhorn.

He died from cardiovascular disease in Los Angeles, California at the age of 78.