The music world celebrated Dave Brubeck's 90 birthday on Dec. 6th. Noted primarily for his contributions to jazz, Dave has also been involved in classical and religious music (as a converted Catholic). He never learned to read music, however.

He got his start in WWII forming a small group to play for fellow soldiers. Eventually, his quartet that included Paul Desmond on alto sax, Joe Morello on drums, Gene Wright on bass, made jazz history with their album "Time Out", which included "Take Five" and "Blue Rhondo a la Turk" (1959). I bought and still own (and play) that record. It turned my jazz world upside down (I was 16 yrs old). Up to that point, my jazz "education" was what I heard from my parents--40s big band music.

When the Dave Brubeck Quartet came to IU in my Freshman year, I had a "front row" seat. Of course, I went nuts. For the last 50 years, I've bought and listened to his records over and over again. I know every melody and riff. I never take a road trip without at least one Brubeck CD or tape.

His rejection of racial segregation was legendary (bassist Wright was black). He was honored at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in 2009. His four very talented sons played Take 5 there. Still alive and performing (after a pacemaker was inserted), Dave Brubeck rolls on into another decade of memorable jazz piano. I bow before you, Dave.
(Read more about Brubeck at Wikiencyclopedia)