Art Blakey was an American jazz musician best known for his work as a drummer and bandleader of the Jazz Messengers. He was born on October 11, 1919, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and passed away on October 16, 1990, in New York City.
Personal and Family Life
Art Blakey had a rich personal life and was married multiple times. He was married to Anne Arnold, Atsuko Nakamura, Diana Bates, and Clarice Stewart and had ten children, six daughters and four sons. His daughters include Gwendolyn, Evelyn, Jackie, Kadijah, Sakeena, and Akira, while his sons include Art Blakey Jr, Takashi, Kenji, and Gamal.
Death and Legacy
Blakey died on October 16, 1990, due to lung cancer. His influence on jazz music remains significant, and he is remembered for popularizing hard bop and mentoring many young musicians through his band, the Jazz Messengers. He left behind a legacy of creativity and musical excellence.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| One Night with Blue Note | 2004-01-27 | Self |
| Art Blakey: The Jazz Messenger | 1988-01-01 | Self |
| Jazz Icons: Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers Live In ’58 | 2006-09-26 | Self |
| Blue Note Records: Beyond the Notes | 2019-06-14 | Self (archive footage) |
| Jazz Icons: Art Blakey Live in ’65 | 2009-10-27 | Self – drums |
| Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell | 2021-03-01 | Self – Jazz Musician (archive footage) |
| Jazz | 2001-01-09 | Self (archive footage) |
| Discorama | 1959-02-04 | Self |