Duke Pearson

American jazz pianist, producer, bandleader, composer, and arranger.

Born on August 17, 1932 in Atlanta, Georgia, died on August 4, 1980 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Shortly after moving to New York City in January 1959, Pearson gained the attention of trumpeter Donald Byrd, who asked him to join his newly formed band, the Pepper Adams Donald Byrd Quintet. Pearson was also the accompanist for Nancy Wilson on tour in 1961. After Ike Quebec passed away in 1963, Pearson took over his position as A&R man for Blue Note. Throughout the 1960s, Pearson was a frequent session musician and producer for numerous Blue Note albums, while also recording his own albums as bandleader. Pearson composed and arranged the iconic 'Cristo Redentor' for Donald Byrd in 1964, which has been covered by many artists, including Harvey Mandel and Gene Harris.

He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the 1970s, and passed away in 1980 at Atlanta Veterans Hospital.