Bill Hardman

[1] Hardman was born and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio,[2] and worked with local players including Bobby Few and Bob Cunningham; while in high school he appeared with Tadd Dameron, and after graduation he joined Tiny Bradshaw's band.

[2] Hardman's first recording was with Jackie McLean in 1956; he later played with Charles Mingus, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Horace Silver, and Lou Donaldson, and led a group with Junior Cook.

[2] Hardman also recorded as a leader: Saying Something on the Savoy label received critical acclaim in jazz circles,[citation needed] but was little known to the general public.

He figures by and large among the top ranks of hardbop titans of the time,[citation needed] although he never managed a commercial breakthrough like many of his colleagues such as Donald Byrd, Freddie Hubbard and Lee Morgan.

With Brass Company With Dave Bailey With Art Blakey With Walter Bishop Jr With Junior Cook With Lou Donaldson With Charles Earland With Curtis Fuller With Benny Golson With Eddie Jefferson With Ronnie Mathews With Jackie McLean With Jimmy McGriff With Charles Mingus With Hank Mobley With Houston Person With Mickey Tucker With Steve Turre With Mal Waldron With Reuben Wilson With Dodo Marmarosa