Bill Evans was one of the most influential jazz pianists of all time, known for his lyrical and harmonious style, his innovative compositions, and his collaborations with Miles Davis, Tony Bennett, and many others. He was also a troubled soul who struggled with drug addiction, personal losses, and health problems throughout his life. His death on September 15, 1980, at the age of 51, was a result of a combination of factors that led to his physical and mental decline.
Contents
- 1 Early Life and Career
- 2 Personal Tragedies and Drug Addiction
- 3 Last Years and Death
Early Life and Career
Bill Evans was born on August 16, 1929, in Plainfield, New Jersey. He started playing piano at the age of six, taught by his mother. He also learned violin and flute, and developed an interest in classical music. He graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1950 with a degree in music education, and then served in the army for three years. After his discharge, he moved to New York City and pursued a career as a jazz pianist.
Evans made his debut as a leader in 1956 with the album New Jazz Conceptions, which featured his original composition “Waltz for Debby”, which would become one of his signature tunes. He also worked with composer and arranger George Russell, who introduced him to the concept of modal jazz, which used scales instead of chords as the basis for improvisation. Evans joined Miles Davis’ sextet in 1958, and played on the landmark album Kind of Blue (1959), which is considered one of the greatest jazz albums of all time. Evans also recorded his own albums as a leader, such as Everybody Digs Bill Evans (1958) and Portrait in Jazz (1959), which showcased his distinctive trio style with bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian.
Personal Tragedies and Drug Addiction
Evans’ life was marked by several tragedies that affected him deeply. In 1961, his father committed suicide after suffering from depression. A few weeks later, Evans’ close friend and musical partner Scott LaFaro died in a car accident at the age of 25. Evans was devastated by these losses and withdrew from the music scene for several months. He also became addicted to heroin, which he had started using in the late 1950s.
Evans returned to recording and performing in 1962, with a new trio featuring bassist Chuck Israels and drummer Larry Bunker. He also met his first wife Ellaine Schultz, who became his manager and drug companion. They married in 1963 and had a son named Evan in 1966. However, their relationship was turbulent and abusive, and they divorced in 1967. Evans then married Nenette Zazzara in 1973, who gave him some stability and support.
Evans continued to produce acclaimed albums throughout the 1960s and 1970s, such as Conversations with Myself (1963), Bill Evans at the Montreux Jazz Festival (1968), The Bill Evans Album (1971), You Must Believe in Spring (1977), and I Will Say Goodbye (1977). He also collaborated with singer Tony Bennett on two albums: The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album (1975) and Together Again (1976). He experimented with different musical settings, such as solo piano, duo piano, quartet, quintet, and orchestra. He also switched from heroin to cocaine in the mid-1970s, hoping to improve his health and energy.
Last Years and Death
Evans’ health deteriorated in the late 1970s due to his drug abuse, chronic hepatitis, ulcers, malnutrition, and depression. He lost weight and looked frail and aged. He also suffered from financial problems due to his drug habit and poor management. He continued to perform and record until the end of his life, but his performances were inconsistent and sometimes erratic.
In September 1980, Evans checked into Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City for treatment of a bleeding ulcer. He died there on September 15, 1980, due to complications from pneumonia. His death was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner because it was caused by years of drug abuse.He was buried at Roselawn Memorial Park in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Evans left behind a legacy of music that has influenced generations of jazz pianists and musicians. His style has been described as poetic, elegant, expressive, introspective, romantic, and sophisticated. His compositions have become jazz standards that are widely performed and recorded by other artists. His recordings have been honored with numerous awards and recognitions,including seven Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, an induction into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, and one of the most influential musicians in the history of jazz.
