James George Hunter was born in Spokane, Washington on August 19, 1918. He was known professionally, however, as Jimmy Rowles and he was one of the most respected pianists in the jazz community. His might not have been a household name for the general public, but jazz musicians, especially pianists and vocalists, were well aware of his talent. Both Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock were among those who were more than impressed with his artistry.

After being introduced to jazz while attending Gonzaga University, Rowles moved to Los Angeles in the early 1940s and soon was playing with Lester Young.  He followed up that gig with stints in the Benny Goodman and Woody Herman bands. He also played with Les Brown and Tommy Dorsey and worked as a studio musician, too. Jimmy Rowles can be heard as a sideman on records by Benny Carter, Lee Konitz, Gerry Mulligan, Buddy Rich, Nat “King” Cole and Ben Webster.

Jimmy Rowles was also renown as an accompanist for vocalists and worked with some of the greats including Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Peggy Lee. It was Rowles who worked with an aspiring pianist named Diana Krall and convinced her that she should sing as well. Over the years Rowles amassed a library of songs and charts so large that he had to purchase a place in which to house them. It is said that he knew over 2000 songs himself. His best-known composition is The Peacocks which he debuted on an album with Stan Getz in 1975. It has since been recorded by Bill Evans and Esperanza Spalding. Jimmy Rowles passed away from a heart attack in 1996.

Here is a link to a live performance by Jimmy Rowles:

"HONEY"