Blakey, Art (1919-1990), was a jazz drummer and one of the most influential bandleaders in jazz history. From 1956 until his death, Blakey led a series of groups called the Jazz Messengers. The Messengers provided a training ground for many of the greatest musicians and composers in modern jazz.
Arthur Blakey was born on Oct. 11, 1919, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He played with a number of combos and big bands during the 1940’s and then traveled in Africa. He eventually converted to Islam and took the name Abdullah Ibn Buhaina.
In 1953, Blakey formed a group called the Jazz Messengers with pianist Horace Silver, trumpeter Kenny Dorham, and saxophonist Hank Mobley. After Silver left the group in 1956, Blakey became the leader. For almost 40 years, the Jazz Messengers played exciting, aggressive music, propelled by Blakey’s driving rhythms.
Blakey had a keen ear for new talent. He employed many promising young musicians and then encouraged them to go out on their own when he thought they were ready. These musicians included trumpeters Terrence Blanchard, Clifford Brown, Donald Byrd, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Marsalis , and Lee Morgan; trombonists Curtis Fuller and Steve Turre; saxophonists Benny Golson, Branford Marsalis, Jackie McLean, and Wayne Shorter; and pianists Keith Jarrett , Bobby Timmons, McCoy Tyner and Cedar Walton. Blakey died on Oct. 16, 1990.
