Bobby Floyd (musician) explained

Bobby Floyd
Birth Date:24 December 1954
Birth Place:Marion, Ohio, U.S.
Years Active:1974–present
Instrument:Piano, keyboards, organ
Label:Summit/Chicken Coup, Cojazz, Gerard
Current Member Of:Columbus Jazz Orchestra
Past Member Of:Count Basie Orchestra

Bobby Floyd (born December 24, 1954) is an American pianist, organist, keyboardist, bandleader, and composer. Starting in the 1980s, he began a decades-long association with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. His playing style has been influenced by his church upbringing, and by pianist Erroll Garner.

Early life

Bobby Floyd was born in Marion, Ohio, on December 24, 1954, the son of Vera and Bob Floyd.[1] He started playing piano at age two, and was discovered to have perfect pitch shortly after, starting piano lessons with his tutor L. T. Dukes at five years old.[2] Floyd developed his technique from listening to records of Oscar Peterson, Thelonious Monk, and Erroll Garner, and by age six played weekly at his local church.[3] Floyd would later meet Garner when he was 12. In Marion Harding High School, Floyd played in a trio with Bruce Burton and future Columbus Jazz Orchestra drummer Bob Breithaupt, and studied with the piano teacher Maury Kline.[2] He moved to Columbus in 1973.

Career

Floyd attended Ohio State University starting 1974, where he studied music education but did not graduate, playing with trumpeter Jeff Tyzik and saxophonist Vince Andrews.[4] In 1983, he recorded a series of TV specials, entitled "Special Request", which were syndicated on PBS.[5] [6] From 1984 to 1985, Floyd played piano and organ across Europe and the US in Ray Charles's band, where he opened shows before Charles entered stage, but left the band when his daughter was born.[7] [8] In 2004, Floyd took over as pianist in the Columbus Jazz Orchestra after the death of Hank Marr.[4] In 2012, Floyd joined the Count Basie Orchestra as a pianist, where he was featured on the Grammy-nominated album All About That Basie.

Bobby Floyd currently tours in a trio with Doug DiCenzo on bass and guitar, and Reggie Jackson on drums.[9]

Personal life

Floyd lives in Powell, Ohio, with his wife, Marilyn. They have one daughter, singer Bobbi Townes.[4] One of his brothers, Vic Floyd, is also a pianist.[10]

Awards

Discography

Floyd's recordings include:

As a leader

As a sideman

With Vince Andrews

With Christian Howes

With others

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Carter . Andrew . June 9, 2023 . Jazz legend Bobby Floyd to headline Marion's Juneteenth celebration . October 16, 2023 . The Marion Star . en-US.
  2. News: Lowry . Tim . October 19, 1998 . 'Five nights' Returns With Gifted Pianist . Marion Star . October 18, 2023.
  3. Web site: Marion native Bobby Floyd doesn't win Grammy, but relishes in ceremony . Hasan . Karim . The Marion Star . October 7, 2023.
  4. Web site: A pleasure to behold as he joyfully plays keyboards, whether with an orchestra, or a trio, or in a church. The Columbus Dispatch. October 7, 2023.
  5. Web site: WOSU: Our Station's Award Winners. wosu.org. October 7, 2023.
  6. Web site: Columbus Makes Art Presents Mary McClendon and Her Life in Jazz - Columbus Underground. October 7, 2023.
  7. Web site: Bobby Floyd is a piano player's piano player. February 14, 2018. CITY Magazine. October 7, 2023.
  8. News: Houpe . Tobias . Bobby Floyd, other musicians remember Ray Charles . Cincinnati Call and Post . . October 6, 2023.
  9. Web site: Bobby Floyd – Jazz Arts Group of Columbus . October 20, 2023 . Jazz Arts Group Columbus . en-US.
  10. News: Moore . Kurt . June 24, 2005 . 'Celebrate Summer' Event to take over downtown. . 1 . Marion Star.
  11. News: February 23, 1992 . Jazz group has Mansfield Gig March 6 . 9 . Mansfield News-Journal.
  12. News: June 26, 1987 . Bobby Floyd Music will fill union hall for July 18 concert . 41 . Marion Star.
  13. Web site: Columbus landmark theater honors Marion native Floyd . June 7, 2023 . The Marion Star . en-US.
  14. Web site: February 7, 2019 . Bobby Floyd . June 7, 2023 . MarionMade . en-US.
  15. Web site: Goldstein . Jami . July 25, 2019 . Pianist and Organist Bobby Floyd to Receive 2019 Raymond J. Hanley Award . October 19, 2023 . Greater Columbus Arts Council.
  16. Interpretations . Ted . McDaniel . 1986 . liner notes . Gerard Records . Columbus, Ohio. GR 2044.
  17. Web site: Local music limelight: Bryan Olsheski . . March 21, 2019 . dispatch.com . Columbus Dispatch . October 12, 2023 . The musician, who has performed with dozens of jazz artists and ensembles, including the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, tapped Bobby Floyd, Reggie Jackson, Derek DiCenzo, Kevin Turner and Jim Powell for his second album, "Bryan Olsheski: In the Moment.".
  18. Web site: McClenaghan . Dan . March 26, 2023 . Rich Thompson: Who Do You Have to Know? album review @ All About Jazz . October 22, 2023 . All About Jazz . en.

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