Born in San Juan Hill, Manhattan, New York on January 3, 1919, Herbie Nichols was a jazz pianist who is best known for writing “Lady Sings the Blues.” Growing up in Harlem, he became a Dixieland pianist before pursuing all forms of jazz. He began his musical journey in 1937 as a member of the Royal Barons and performed live at Milton’s Playhouse, where he befriended Thelonious Monk, Lester Young, and Dizzie Gillespie. Herbie Nichols was drafted into the army in 1941, but continued his music career when he was discharged two years later. His unique style – which blended be-bop, blues, classical, and Caribbean styles – made him a popular accompanist for artists such as Illinois Jacquet, Lucky Thompson, Hal Singer, and others. Signing to Blue Note Records, he released his first album, The Prophetic Herbie Nichols Vol. 1, in 1955, which was immediately followed by The Prophetic Herbie Nichols Vol. 2. Both album featured the pianist joined by bassist Al McKibbon and drummer Art Blakey. His third album, Herbie Nichols Trio, featured bass work from both McKibbon and Teddy Kotick as well as Max Roach on drums. This album featured Herbie Nichols’ version of “Lady Sings the Blues” (originally an instrumental entitled “Serenade”). He released his fourth and final album, Love, Gloom, Cash, Love, in 1958. Herbie Nichols died of leukemia on April 12, 1963, at the age of 44. He left behind a musical legacy that has been celebrated over the decades on various compilations and reissues.
