Barbara Carroll, 1951

 

 

At the age of 92, long time jazz legend/pianist Barbara Carroll – who had an ongoing residency at Birdland Jazz Club, has passed away.  Barbara Carroll was born January 25, 1925 and decided, as a high school student, to become a jazz pianist.

 

She was dubbed by Leonard Feather as the first girl ever to play bebop piano. She flourished with her trio into the 1950s when she experienced a downside and saw it ebb away. However, by 1972 things changed and there was a renewed interest in her unique style. In 1975 she was asked by Rita Coolidge to work on a session for A&M. In 1978 she toured with Coolidge and Kris Kristofferson. In the following two decades she became known as a cabaret performer and has had an on-going career since.

 

More details to come.