Willie Pickens (April 18, 1931 – December 12, 2017) was an American jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and educator.
[1][4] Pickens recorded with clarinetist Buddy DeFranco in 1977,[3]: 364 and drummer Louis Bellson in 1994.
[3]: 109 Pickens played in drummer Elvin Jones' band between 1990 and 1997,[1] including internationally.
"[1] In 1999, Pickens was part of the Chicago Jazz Festival's closing act with the Marian McPartland Trio, along with Judy Roberts and Jodie Christian.
[1][4] Saxophonist Lou Donaldson once told Donald Harrison, "Willie Pickens is one of the last great bebop pianists.