Don Abney, born John Donald Abney on March 10, 1923 in Baltimore, Maryland, was an American jazz pianist. He studied at the Manhattan School of Music before joining the United States Army. After his military service, Abney played with ensembles led by Wilbur de Paris, Bill Harris, Kai Winding, and Louis Bellson. He had a sustained career as a session musician, contributing to recordings for notable artists such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan, Eartha Kitt, and Pearl Bailey. Abney released several albums under Music Minus One, such as his debut titled Jazz Rhythm Records Music Minus One Alto Sax Vol 2 in 1951. Abney also worked as a musical director for Universal Studios/MCA, appearing in films like Pete Kelly's Blues. In the 1980s, he toured with Anita O'Day and later moved to Japan. Abney died on January 20, 2000, in Los Angeles, California.
