Geri Allen, the beloved jazz musician and director of jazz studies at the University of Pittsburgh, died of cancer on Tuesday in Philadelphia at age 60.
The composer and educator is known as one of the greatest contemporary jazz pianists of all time, transcending the traditional boundaries of the genre. With spontaneity and melodic gift, Allen performed internationally and used her music to empower young jazz musicians in their creative processes.
Upon hearing of her death, the jazz world and Allen’s colleagues reflected on her influences in the industry and on her service to her students.
“[Geri] was widely, just totally respected across all levels from the undergraduate students all the way up to the senior officials,” Dr. Deane L. Root, chair and professor in the Department of Music at the university told Diverse. She was “respected and beloved in the ways in which she worked with them, with all of us,” Dr. Root added.
Musicians and devout fans took to social media to share their condolences.
“My head in my hands. Beyond sad. Great musician. Beautiful person,” guitarist Vernon Reid said in a Twitter post about Allen. He also called Allen “a real friend who changed my life when times were hard.”
Allen’s influences for her music included her parents and notable jazz musicians such as Mary Lou Williams, Marcus Belgrave, Cecil Taylor, Betty Carter and Herbie Hancock. She also was a “child of the 60s-70s,” incorporating funk, Motown, and James Brown in her musical vision, according to longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Aaron J. Johnson, assistant professor of music at Pitt.
