Muhal Richard Abrams
Pianist
Self-taught free-jazz artist known for his economical, yet sophisticated use of contemporary and traditional concepts.
He said he could learn more from the music he was hearing on the street than he could from the music classes he was taking at Roosevelt University in 1946.
He became an important figure in the Loft Jazz scene after relocating to New York in 1975.
His family was living in Chicago when he was born.
He collaborated with Anthony Braxton on 1968's Three Compositions of New Jazz as well as several other albums.