Duke Pearson

American jazz pianist, producer, bandleader, composer, and arranger.

Born on August 17, 1932 in Atlanta, Georgia, died on August 4, 1980 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Shortly after moving to New York City in January 1959, Pearson gained the attention of trumpeter , who asked him to join his newly formed band, the . Pearson was also the accompanist for on tour in 1961. After passed away in 1963, Pearson took over his position as A&R man for . Throughout the 1960s, Pearson was a frequent session musician and producer for numerous Blue Note albums, while also recording his own albums as bandleader. Pearson composed and arranged the iconic 'Cristo Redentor' for in 1964, which has been covered by many artists, including and .

He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the 1970s, and passed away in 1980 at Atlanta Veterans Hospital.