Jaki (John) Byard (June 15, 1922 – February 11, 1999) was a jazz piano play… Read Full Bio ↴Jaki (John) Byard (June 15, 1922 – February 11, 1999) was a jazz piano player and composer who also played trumpet and saxophones, among several other instruments. He was noteworthy for his eclectic style, incorporating everything from ragtime and stride to free jazz.

Byard began playing professionally at the age of 15. After serving in World War II he toured with Earl Bostic in the late 1940s, making his recording debut with Charlie Mariano in 1951. Later, he was a member of the bands of Herb Pomeroy (1952-55, recording in 1957) and Maynard Ferguson (1959-62).

Byard recorded extensively with Charles Mingus in the periods 1962 to 1964 and 1970, touring Europe with him in 1964. He also made important recordings as a sideman with Eric Dolphy, Booker Ervin and Sam Rivers. As a leader, he recorded a string of albums for the Prestige label during the 1960s. He fronted an occasional big band, the Apollo Stompers. He taught at the New England Conservatory.

Byard was killed in 1999 by a bullet wound to the head. The circumstances surrounding the shooting have not been determined.

Excerpts From European Episode
Jaki Byard Lyrics

We have lyrics for these tracks by Jaki Byard:

Bugle Call Rag You're bound to fall for the bugle call; You're gonna brag…
Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans And…
Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans? Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans And…
How High The Moon Somewhere there's music How faint the tune Somewhere there's…
It's Too Late Stayed in bed all mornin' just to pass the time. There's…
Love is here to stay It's very clear, our love is here to stay Not for…
Lullaby of Birdland Lullaby of Birdland, that's what I Always hear when you…
New Orleans Strut Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans And…
St. Louis Blues I hate to see that evening sun go down I hate…

When lights are low Listen to the melody entrancing Blending in a soft and sweet…

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TRACKS