Chris Anderson

Who was Chris Anderson?

Chris Anderson was an American jazz pianist, who might be best known as an influence on Herbie Hancock.

Born in Chicago and self-taught, Anderson began playing in Chicago clubs in the mid-1940s and played with Von Freeman and Charlie Parker, among others. Hired as Dinah Washington's accompanist, like other arrangers before him, he didn't last long with the cantankerous singer; fired in New York six weeks later, he stayed there.

In 1960 he recorded what might be his best regarded album with bassist Bill Lee and drummer Art Taylor. His student Herbie Hancock praised him highly saying that, "After hearing him play just once, I begged him to let me study with him."

Despite the respect of his peers, Anderson had difficulty finding work or popular acclaim due in large to his disabilities. He was blind and his bones were unusually fragile causing numerous fractures, which at times compromised his ability to perform at the times or places requested although he continued to record until he was well into his 70s.

He died February 4, 2008 in Manhattan, New York City.