Don Friedman
Pianist
Jazz artist who developed a huge following in Japan, leading to extensive overseas tours.
He began his career on the West Coast in the late 1950s, playing with Dexter Gordon, Buddy Collette, Chet Baker, and others.
He accepted a teaching position at New York University and also led the school's jazz ensemble.
His parents were music lovers and encouraged his passion for the piano.
He developed a love for Kenton soloists after hearing Stan Kenton, Billy May, and Les Brown's bands at the Hollywood Palladium as a teenager.