NEW YORK, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- The Harlem Preservation Foundation will honor pianist and broadcaster Billy Taylor at its second annual Harlem Reunion Concert December 8 at Aaron Davis Hall.
Organizers said the foundation is citing Taylor for his significant support and promotion of Harlem, a legendary uptown New York City community and for serving as a worldwide jazz ambassador.
Taylor suffered a stroke last January but is recovering and resumed his performing in June with a week-long trio run at New York's Blue Note jazz club..
"Billy Taylor is a legend and has been a jazz pioneer for many years. The fact that he's done it for so long and so well, had gotten ill and came back, was grounds to make sure we honored him," said foundation spokesman Eric V. Tait Jr. "He is an innovator but he understands the roots and tradition of the music and this is to recognize how valuable he has been. It's about passing on tradition and roots as a legacy for the incoming generation, for the kids in Harlem and the kids all over."
Concert performers will include Hank Jones, Ingrid Jensen, Earl May, Randy Weston, Frank Wess, Jimmy Owens, Chip Jackson, Lonnie Plaxico, Marcus Strickland, Kim Thompson. and Winard Harper. Actor-comedian Bill Cosby will be a special guest presenter.
The event will also honor Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields and NBC-4 Meteorologist Janice Huff.
