Duke Pearson
Born Columbus Calvin Pearson, Jr.
American jazz pianist, producer, bandleader, composer, and arranger.
Born on August 17, 1932 in Atlanta, Georgia, died on August 4, 1980 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Shortly after moving to New York City in January 1959, Pearson gained the attention of trumpeter Donald Byrd, who asked him to join his newly formed band, the Pepper Adams Donald Byrd Quintet. Pearson was also the accompanist for Nancy Wilson on tour in 1961. After Ike Quebec passed away in 1963, Pearson took over his position as A&R man for. Throughout the 1960s, Pearson was a frequent session musician and producer for numerous Blue Note albums, while also recording his own albums as bandleader.