Cecil Taylor was an American pianist and poet. Taylor was classically trained and was one of the pioneers of free jazz. His music is characterized by an energetic, physical approach, resulting in complex improvisation often involving tone clusters and intricate polyrhythms.
Clarence Fountain was a Gospel legend. He was a founding member of the Blind boys of Alabama, a five-time Grammy Award-winning gospel group who first sang together in 1939.
Dennis Edwards was an American soul and R&B singer who was best known as the front man in The Temptations, on Motown Records. Edwards sang with the group from 1968 to 1976, 1980 to 1984 and 1987 to 1989.
Aretha Franklin was an American singer, songwriter, civil rights activist, actress, and pianist. She began her career as a child singing gospel. At the age of 18, she embarked on a secular career, first recording for Columbia Records, and later with Atlantic Records.
Hugh Masekela was a South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, composer and singer. He has been described as “the father of South African jazz.” Masekela is known for his jazz compositions and for writing well-known anti-apartheid songs.
Matthew Murphy, known as Matt “Guitar” Murphy, was an influential American blues guitarist. He was associated with Memphis Slim, James Cotton and Howlin’ Wolf. He is also known as the touring guitarist for The Blues Brothers band.
Randy Scruggs was a music producer, songwriter and guitarist. He won four Grammy Awards and was twice named Musician of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards. He was the middle son of Earl Scruggs.
Patrick Williams was an Oscar-nominated American composer, arranger, and conductor who worked in many genres of music, and in film and television. He won two Grammys for his jazz arrangements and four Emmys for his television music.
Ed King was an American musician. He was a guitarist for the psychedelic rock band Strawberry Alarm Clock and guitarist and bassist for the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 to 1975 and again from 1987 to 1996.