William Parker
- Born:
- December 24, 1952, New York City, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Musician, Composer, Improviser, Writer, Educator
Early Life and Education
- Raised in the Bronx, New York City.
- Self-taught musician.
- Began playing bass in his teens.
- Early influences included Wilbur Ware, Jimmy Garrison, and Charles Mingus.
Career and Major Achievements
- Prominent figure in the free jazz and avant-garde music scenes.
- Has released over 150 albums as a leader or co-leader.
- Collaborated with numerous renowned musicians, including Cecil Taylor, Milford Graves, Peter Brötzmann, and David S. Ware.
- Founder of several ensembles, including the Little Huey Creative Music Orchestra and In Order to Survive.
- Awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship in 2018.
- Considered one of the most important bassists in contemporary jazz.
- His work embodies the 'parker pauline yvonne biography of william' is deeply rooted in the spirit of free improvisation and collective expression.
Notable Works
Selected Discography
| Year | Album Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Flowers Grow in My Room | Centering Records |
| 2002 | O'Neal's Porch | AUM Fidelity |
| 2005 | Lucid Dreamer | AUM Fidelity |
| 2019 | Migration of Silence Into and Out of the Tone World, Volumes 1-10 | Centering Records |
Legacy and Impact
William Parker's influence extends far beyond his virtuosity as a bassist. He has championed the cause of free improvisation, nurturing generations of musicians and fostering a vibrant community. His prolific output, spanning diverse styles and collaborations, has solidified his place as a visionary figure in contemporary music.