Hank Jones, Legendary Jazz Pianist, Dead at 91

"As Long As I Live." It took me awhile to figure it out because Coleman doesn't play the melody, but it sounds like he's thinking about the melody (as with "Body and Soul").
About the comments that it is a shame that people don't appreciate jazz enough: Of course. But Hank Jones was actually a success story. His passing doesn't make the news like that genius from Black Sabbath who just died. But in jazz terms, he was a king. He had long life, health, and played and recorded with all the best. All considered, his could be the most exceptional career in the history of jazz piano.
People don't appreciate Beethoven enough either. Why would we expect them to?
Everyone can't have above average taste.

It pains me everytime a legend passes. It's not the transition through death, but the passing of men and women who created and fostered a music genre through a turbulent time of our country's history...as if the bad times never existed. All accomplished with a style and dignity that cant be recreated. Hank, Oscar, Roland, John Lewis et al...the list is inevitably growing. To sit down with a nice stereo system, a fine glass of wine, and listen to anything from the (vastly varied) Jones Brothers, or anything from MJQ, or anything from Oscar. Icons of "America's classical music" too often pass silent away save for a passing mention on Yahoo, etc., whereas the European classics (with composers several centuries remove)never cease to garner continued admiration for its "culture." The combination of styles our icons created, nutured, and/or embraced defies often defy creative logic. Soulful or bop. Bluesy or standards. Jamming or coaxing. Tones, chords, progressions...or simply playing in the background.

I LOVED the video. The last piece really showcased Ella's amazing vocal talent. I greatly appreciate the comments of many who've responded here. I wish there were a greater appreciation of jazz in the U.S. Those of you who love the music, tune in to WPFW Radio 89.3 FM in the D.C. metro area -- or, check the station out at www.wpfw.org, streaming live. The station doesn't just play jazz, but it comprises the bulk of the music programming. Enjoy. It's a Pacific station, so it's public radio -- totally listener-supported. No commercials.

Jazz music gives language to that part of the musician's soul, that wants to speak out. And given that, I have been touched by many musicians through the years,of all nationalities. There are jazz musicians on every part of the globe, who through listening to old recording of the greats and pioneers, learned to play jazz. In Moscow, there is a Lionel Hampton Institute of Jazz. Jazz is more recognized and appreciated in Europe and other parts of the world than the place it originated from. Even in Asia, jazz is revered; and they have some of the most accomplished jazz musicians on the globe. Lets keep jazz alive!!!!

Hank is one of the true Greats, a favorite of Bud Powell and now he belongs to the ages...

There's a a double compilation album on Impulse called "The Big Beat", which has 4 great drummers: Art Blakey, Max Roach, Philly Joe Jones & Elvin Jones. On Elvin's side there's a song by Oliver Nelson called "Six & Four". Hank's playing is outstanding, driving and tasteful. If I had to have a song for a spaceship or time capsule this one leaps to mind.

Rest in peace, Hank

listen to his song titled lullaby,nuff said

i like jazz i used to go to new orleans when i could and it was a truly beautiful city. i would never go in the summer because a person couldn't breath in the humid hot air. i don't go there anymore because it has become a cesspool with all the drunks, addicts and muggers. i have the radio and and on the t.v. has a couple of jazz stations

RIP Hank Jones. What a musician he was. Don't forget Earl Fatha' Hines, Earl Garner and Pete Colley, too.

BTW, Mr Jones is in the Down Beat Jazz Hall Of Fame. And it's wonderful that he was so honored while he was still with us, but he will be with us on recordings forever because he was recorded many times as a leader and sideman to everyone from Miles Davis and Charlie Parker to Marilyn Monroe. And let's not forget he was the last of the famous Jones brothers of jazz: brass giant Thad Jones and drummer-supreme Elvin Jones of John Coltrane fame.

This music is history. It is American and World History and children need to know this music, these masters. To me, jazz is something that is like a beautiful blanket wrapped around your being that reaches out to embrace the greatest places one's soul. We need to continue to not only pay homage ,but preserve all the people, past and present, here and gone, and famous and otherwise in order to continue to tell the stories and allow our children to discover what we have known..