Dave Brubeck

American pianist and composer, known for interweaving themes from jazz and classical music. Declared a Living Legend by the Library of Congress, with a career that spans more than six decades. Experiments in odd time signatures, improvised counterpoint, polyrhythm and polytonality. Founded the award-winning Brubeck Trio with Cal Tjader, Volumes 1 and 2 and The Dave Brubeck Quartet. Take Five is his hallmark. Recordings and concert appearances on college campuses in the 50s and early 60s introduced jazz to thousands of young people. Compositions include oratorios and cantatas, a mini opera, a work for musical theater, ballet suites, violin solos, and orchestral works, as well as other works. U.S. State Department sponsored an international tour to eight countries, including India and Afghanistan. Toured the Soviet Union at the Regan-Gorbachev Summit. Recipient, State Department's Benjamin Franklin Award for Public Diplomacy, National Medal of Arts from President Clinton, the Smithsonian Award, the Kennedy Center Honors, and many others.