Date of Birth: May 8, 1910
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: May 28, 1981
Biography
Mary Lou Williams, born Mary Elfrieda Scruggs, was an influential American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. Born on May 8, 1910, in Atlanta, Georgia, she became one of the most significant female figures in jazz history. Williams grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she started playing piano at a very young age. By the time she was in her teens, she was already performing professionally. Williams’s career spanned several decades, and she worked with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. She was a pioneering arranger and composer, known for her work across various styles of jazz, from swing to bebop. In addition to her performing and composing career, Williams was also a dedicated educator, teaching at institutions such as Duke University. Her contributions to jazz were immense, and her influence extended beyond her lifetime. Williams passed away on May 28, 1981, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians and jazz enthusiasts around the world.
5 Interesting Facts about Mary Lou Williams
1. Mary Lou Williams composed over 350 songs and recorded more than 100 records.
2. She arranged music for Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman, two of the most prominent figures in jazz.
3. Williams was a mentor to many younger jazz musicians, including Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, and Dizzy Gillespie.
4. She was one of the first jazz musicians to perform at Carnegie Hall, a significant milestone in her career.
5. Williams converted to Roman Catholicism in 1957 and incorporated elements of her faith into her later works, including sacred jazz compositions.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mary Lou Williams
1. “I did it, didn’t I? Through muck and mud.”
2. “Jazz is love. Jazz is happiness.”
3. “I believe in using the entire piano as a single instrument capable of expressing every possible musical idea.”
4. “I am praying to God to let me be a blessing to someone.”
5. “I have gone through everything, and I realize that I must have been born under a charmed star.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Mary Lou Williams’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a significant sum for a jazz musician of her era.
Children
Mary Lou Williams had one adopted son, John Williams, who she raised as her own.
Relevant Links
1. [Mary Lou Williams – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Lou_Williams
2. [Mary Lou Williams – Biography](https://www.biography.com/musician/mary-lou-williams
3. [Smithsonian Jazz – Mary Lou Williams](https://www.si.edu/spotlight/jazz/mary-lou-williams
5. [Mary Lou Williams – All About Jazz](https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/mary-lou-williams
