Al Haig Day
July 19, 1922 – November 16, 1982
Groovin’ High
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Pianist Al Haig was born on July 19, 1922 in Newark, New Jersey.
After majoring in piano at Oberlin College, Haig moved to New York to play with bebop innovators Charlie Parker and Dizzie Gillespie.
He appeared on some of the earliest and most influential bebop recordings, including a series of Gillespie singles from 1945.
Haig fell into obscurity before a late-career revival in the 1970s, when his contribution to bebop’s inception became recognized.
These sides were among the first in history to display a matured bebop style.
Haig would proceed to record with Charlie Parker and Stan Getz during the late ’40s and early ’50s.
In 1969 Al Haig was acquitted of a charge of murder after his third wife reportedly died from a fall down a flight of stairs.
Haig’s account of the incident was later contested in his second wife Grange Rutan’s 2007 book, “Death of a Bebop Wife.”
Al Haig was invited to perform in Europe by Spotlite Records owner Tony Williams in 1974 recording the “Invitation”album for the label featuring Kenny Clarke on drums at tours end.
James Moody live television performance featuring Al Haig on piano.
Personnel:
James Moody – alto sax
Al Haig – piano
Ray Brown – bass
Kenny Clark – drums
