(March 6, 2020) He was a giant in the music world who influence both jazz and R&B artists throughout his 81 years. Today we say a sad goodbye to the great McCoy Tyner.
The Philadelphia born pianist first broke out in 1960 at age 22, working in the band led by legendary Benny Golson. He then joined John Coltrane for a half decade, participating on several albums (including the iconic A Love Supreme) and constantly touring. His departure from Coltrane began a particularly fruitful portion of his career, as he became a leader in the post-bop movement with popular albums like The Real McCoy and Fly With the Wind, incorporating world music elements and fully coming out of the shadow of his mentor.
McCoy continued to record and tour well into the last decade. He influence on latter 20th century jazz is difficult to overstate and he was, by any measure, one of the greatest artists of any genre during his productive career. We will be listening to the music of McCoy Tyner for years to come. Rest In Peace.