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    My father introduced me to jazz as a young girl and I have a real love for the art. I hope you get to know some of these North Carolina jazz greats. 

    Jazz pianist, Dr. Billy Taylor, was one of the first to call jazz "America's classical music" and Taylor devoted his life as an educator through lectures, over 200 television interviews, and as a regular voice on NPR. He co founded Jazzmobile to give children their first exposure to understanding jazz music and bringing free outdoor summer concerts to the five boroughs of New York City. Born 1921 in Greenville, North Carolina, Taylor went on to study under Duke Ellington's piano teacher. He inspired and collaborated with other jazz greats such as Ramsey Lewis and also released a version of fellow North Carolinian Nina Simone's song, "I Wish I Knew How It Was To Be Free". Billy Taylor received over 20 honorary degrees for his contribution in promoting jazz and educating generations of Americans through his passion.