Roland Hanna

Roland Hanna (February 10, 1932 – November 13, 2002) was an American jazz pianist, composer, and educator known for his virtuosic technique and lyrical improvisation. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Hanna studied piano at Eastman School of Music and Juilliard School. He achieved fame in the 50s and 60s, performing with greats such as Benny Goodman, Charles Mingus, and Sarah Vaughan. A versatile musician, comfortable in solo, small group, and big band settings, Hanna’s style combined elements of classical music with jazz. In the 1970s, he co-founded the New York Jazz Quartet and recorded extensively, both as a leader and a sideman. His compositions were often intricate and harmonically rich. Hanna was a dedicated educator, teaching at various institutions including Queens College, where he was a professor of jazz studies.

Associated with publisher Rohanna Music.

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