Billy Higgins Biography
Billy Higgins was born upon October 11, 1936, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in a nurturing music environment. His mommy, a passionate Christian, guaranteed that young Billy was subjected to spiritual hymns and gospel songs in church. This very early intro to songs, along with the abundant jazz scene in LA during the 1950s, played a significant duty fit Higgins's profession as a jazz drummer.
Higgins started his journey as a self-taught drummer, beginning by touching on pots and frying pans as a youngster. His passion for drumming led him to study songs at the
Frank Sinatra School of the Arts as well as later, Jefferson High School. Under the mentorship of music instructor and also jazz cymbalist, Samuel Browne, Higgins sharpened his abilities as well as discipline as a drummer.
His initial professional gig was with allure Messiahs, a group led by trombonist Lester Robertson in 1955. Not long after, Higgins gathered attention from significant jazz musicians such as
Ornette Coleman as well as Don Cherry. He signed up with Coleman's quartet in 1958, and their partnership contributed significantly to the development of cost-free jazz-- a style defined by its non-traditional harmony, tune, and also rhythm. Higgins showed up on Coleman's initial cd, Something Else!!!!, along with a number of various other prominent documents like The Shape of Jazz to Come as well as Change of the Century.
Throughout the 1960s, Higgins was just one of one of the most sought-after drummers in the jazz globe. He bet titans such as Dexter Gordon,
Sonny Rollins, Jackie McLean, and also Lee Morgan. His collaboration with Morgan brought about the recording of the iconic Blue Note album, The Sidewinder, in 1963, which showcased Higgins's amazing precision and also skill.
Apart from his partnerships, Billy Higgins also led his very own teams, consisting of the 'All-Stars' quintet in the 1970s, as well as a quartet in the 1980s. Throughout his career, Higgins is attributed with having actually used over 700 recordings, making him one of the most taped jazz drummers of perpetuity.
Higgins's design was defined by his delicate touch, refined attack, as well as tempting rhythmic pulse. He had an impressive capability to adapt to various musical contexts, making him a perfect accompanist for a number of artists. In spite of dealing with liver disease, Higgins remained to play music up until his last days.
Aside from his remarkable occupation as a drummer, Higgins was likewise an educator and also coach to striving musicians. In the 1970s, he established the World Stage, a songs education and learning as well as performance center in the Leimert Park area of Los Angeles. He additionally showed at various establishments, such as California State University (Northridge) and also the University of California (Los Angeles), hence spreading his love for jazz and also nurturing future ability.
Billy Higgins died on May 3, 2001, in Inglewood, California, at the age of 64. His profound impact on the jazz globe and his unparalleled musicianship remain to be celebrated as well as admired by artists and music fans alike.
Our collection contains 18 quotes who is written / told by Billy.
Related authors: Ornette Coleman (Musician), Sonny Rollins (Musician), Frank Sinatra (Musician)
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