George Handy

George Handy (born George Joseph Hendleman) (January 17, 1920[1] – January 8, 1997)[2] was an American jazz arranger, composer and pianist whose musical beginnings were fostered under the tutelage of composer Aaron Copland.

Born in New York City,[1] Handy first worked professionally as a swing pianist for Michael Loring in 1938, but soon was drafted into the United States Army in 1940.

He did leave the orchestra briefly to do work for Paramount Studios, but returned to Raeburn quickly.

[3] AllMusic noted that "He was pianist with Zoot Sims' combo during 1956–1957 but mostly worked outside of jazz during his last four decades, although he did spend some time as a Down Beat critic during the latter half of the 60s.

"[4] Handy died in Harris, New York, in January 1997 at the age of 76, from heart disease.