William Parker
Bassist
Known for his work in the free jazz music genre, this New York-born double bassist, songwriter, and poet became a member of the 1980s group Other Dimensions in Music and also performed with the David S. Ware Quartet and the Peter Brötzmann jazz ensemble.
Early in his career, he performed with the notable free jazz pianist Cecil Taylor.
His 2007 publication, Who Owns Music?, includes his poems and musicological and political essays.
He was born and raised in the Bronx, New York City. He and his wife later founded an annual New York experimental music event called the Vision Festival.
He and pianist Paul Bley were both influential members of the free jazz movement.