Legendary jazz pianist Hank Jones dies

DETROIT — Pianist Hank Jones, one of the greatest musicians produced by metro Detroit and the last surviving brother of a trio of siblings who became jazz royalty, died Sunday in New York. He was 91.

Jones, who played with everyone from Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald to contemporary figures like Joe Lovano and Tony Williams,
was revered for his silken touch, melodic grace, relaxed elan,
stylistic versatility and remarkable longevity. He was performing at a
high level up until his recent illness.

“Hank was the perfect pianist,” said Bill Charlap,
one of the legions of younger pianists who looked up to Jones as a
mentor and influence. “He was a consummate artist and a consummate
professional. He had it all — he played the past, the present and the
future all at the same time.”

One of 10 children, Jones was born in Vicksburg, Miss., on July 31, 1918, but raised in Pontiac, Mich. His younger brothers included trumpeter and composer Thad Jones, who died in 1986, and drummer Elvin Jones, who died in 2004.

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