Legion World Forums LEGION COMPANION The Anywhere Machine Marian McPartland

...known to even incorrigible squares like my folks as the face of NPR's Piano Jazz, died yesterday at the age of 95.

Not just a public radio Grande Dame, though. She spent a lifetime learning and evolving her craft, not just covering the greats but appreciating pop music like The Beatles (before it became fashionable for jazz players to do so), and turning out amazing albums and compositions of her own. (I've actually got at least ten of them.)

I was lucky enough to see her play about 15 years back, on a double bill with the great Dr. Billy Taylor.

Hail and farewell, you gorgeous thing. Thanks for all the gifts.

cleome, I loved the video. Thanks for sharing it.

I listened to Marian McPartland for years on Piano Jazz. Still do occasionally on reruns. She was a great informal interviewer, and I learned to appreciate so many jazz and popular musicians by hearing them on her show.

I've thought many times that if I could choose a different life path, I would want one like hers.