Roland Hanna

American jazz pianist, composer, and educator.

Born February 10, 1932, Detroit, Michigan, USA

Died November 13, 2002, Hackensack, New Jersey, USA

Known for his virtuosic technique and lyrical improvisation, Hanna studied piano at Eastman School of Music and the Juilliard School. He first received attention in the 50s and 60s, performing with Benny Goodman, Charles Mingus, and Sarah Vaughan. A versatile musician, comfortable in solo, small group, and big band settings, Hanna’s style combined elements of classical music with jazz. In the 1970s, he co-founded the New York Jazz Quartet and recorded extensively, both as a leader and a sideman. His compositions were often intricate and harmonically rich. Hanna was a dedicated educator, teaching at institutions such as the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, (CUNY) in Flushing, NY where he was a professor of jazz studies. Known as Sir Roland Hanna from 1970 after receiving an honorary knighthood from the government of Liberia for the benefit concerts he performed in the country. Associated with publisher Rohanna Music.