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Willie 'The Lion' Smith: Stride Piano Master - NPR Radio

Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 9:47 am
by Eyeball
Willie 'The Lion' Smith: Stride Piano Master - NPR Radio
http://www.npr.org/2008/06/11/91365108/ ... ano-master

He's been called a musician's musician, one whose original approach made him the envy of virtually every pianist in jazz. Well-known for his flamboyant behavior, ever-present cigar, and derby hat, Willie Smith — nicknamed "The Lion" — was a master practitioner of Harlem stride piano.

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Willie "The Lion" Smith lived through six decades of music and, despite the changes in musical styles over those years, remained true to himself and his style. He recorded a final album in Paris in June 1972 and played up until his death in April 1973. Today, his spirit and his legacy live on through his music.