February 10, 1932 – November 13, 2002

Pianist Roland Hanna, who later in life became known as Sir Roland Hanna, was born on February 10, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan.

Hanna studied classical piano but was always intent on becoming a jazz pianist.

After serving in the military during 1950-52, he freelanced around Detroit, moving to New York in 1957 to attend Julliard.

He made his recording debut with Seldon Powell, worked with Benny Goodman in 1958 (including a well recorded visit to the Brussels World’s Fair), made his first album as a leader in 1959, worked with Charles Mingus (1959-60), and recorded with Kenny Burrell, John Handy, Sarah Vaughan, Ruth Brown, Elvin Jones, Eddie Daniels and Joe Williams among others in the 1960s.

Hanna was the pianist with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra during 1966-74 and worked with the New York Jazz Quartet in the mid-1970s.

After being given an honorary knighthood by Liberia in 1978, he became known as Sir Roland Hanna.

Originally influenced by Duke Ellington, Hanna’s flawless piano playing, which always swung while utilizing sophisticated chords, kept him busy for decades, often leading his own trio.

Here is Sir Roland Hanna early in his career appearing on Art Ford’s Jazz Party in September 1958 playing “Lover Come Back To Me.”

-Scott Yanow

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