Considered by many to be today's greatest jazz singer, she brings a holiday-themed show to Toronto on Dec. 4. Here she reflects on a long career, the loss of Roy Hargrove, the importance of arrangements, and a memorable Montreux Jazz Festival show.
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King’s Column
King’s Column
November 2, 2018
by Bill King
He developed and shaped the very essence of jazz and the role of the drummer, and was onstage at Massey Hall for a star-studded concert termed the greatest ever. From the archives, here is an illuminating interview with Max Roach.
October 26, 2018
by Bill King
What do the Blue Jays' triumph, an aspiring jazz singer/pianist, and a Toronto delicatessen have in common? Bill King connects the dots, recalling one memorable night, and reprising this with a fascinating interview.
October 19, 2018
by Bill King
When brother Wayne and I were in our early teens, Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” was one of the most requested pop/jazz songs of the day and the biggest-selling jazz single of all time. That popularity stretched over two gigging seasons. I don’t know if learning the song attracted many girls, but it sure earned us respect amongst musicians.
October 12, 2018
by Bill King
With “Heartbreak Hotel," that young singing sensation, Elvis Presley, pushed recording stars Nat Cole, Patti Page and Perry Como to the sidelines and everyone was talking about him in church. Who is this guy Elvis? What kind of name is that?
September 28, 2018
by Bill King
Bobby Dean Blackburn has long been a seminal figure in the Toronto R&B scene, and his sons are now carrying on the tradition. Bobby Dean and Brooke Blackburn recently sat down with Bill and Jesse King for this informative chat.
September 20, 2018
by Bill King
At the recently concluded Toronto International Film Festival, this compelling film won the coveted People's Choice Award. Winners often go on to Academy Award glory, and Bill King considers this one Oscar-worthy.
September 14, 2018
by Bill King
"Jones never goes light and easy. This in many ways is the underlining theme to the new documentary Quincy, tracking his life from his roots beginning in a downtrodden Chicago neighbourhood."
September 7, 2018
by Bill King
The music of the king of reggae, on full display at a legendary show at Massey Hall, had a huge impact on Bill King, and, later, upon his son, Juno-winning producer Jesse 'Dubmatix' King.
August 31, 2018
by Bill King
One of the very best American bands of the '70s, their music, especially Dixie Chicken, was the perfect soundtrack for a Stateside road trip.
August 17, 2018
by Bill King
The masterful American drummer has shone in a wide array of settings, from Frank Zappa to Weather Report to the Pointer Sisters to Genesis with Phil Collins (pictured). Learn more of his fascinating career in this interview from the archives of a former bandmate.
August 10, 2018
by Bill King
Delroy Figgins praised Art Tatum as being the only true pianist on the planet who explored every inch of the instrument, even the splintered grooves in the wood frame, charred cigarette holes, down to the pedals near the floor. Figgins said when Tatum played the piano he seduced every inch of its ebony flesh. Both men played a signature version of ‘Tenderly’ preserved on piano rolls.