Kenny Barron
NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron is one of the most respected musicians, educators and gentlemen in jazz. He has received numerous awards and both toured the world as a bandleader and worked with many of the great musicians over the past 40 years.
After moving to New York in 1961, Kenny freelanced with James Moody, Lee Morgan, Roy Haynes, Lou Donaldson and other jazz luminaries who recognized and came to rely on his consummate musicianship and professionalism. Moody recommended him to Dizzy Gillespie in 1962, and he joined Moody as a key member of Dizzy's great quintet through 1966. Tours and recordings with Gillespie brought Kenny international notice. He spent four years with Freddie Hubbard, from 1966-70, and five with Yusef Lateef from 1970-75. The following year he joined the Ron Carter quartet, staying until it broke up in 1980. In the 1980s he co-led with Charlie Rouse the group Sphere, which included Buster Williams and drummer Ben Riley. Subsequently he has had a brilliant career as a soloist and leader and a dedicated teacher.
