Biography
Amina Claudine Myers was born on March 21, 1942, in Blackwell, Arkansas, and raised primarily by her great-aunt Emma Thomas and uncle Buford. She began piano lessons at age six, formed a gospel group after moving back to Blackwell in 1957, and developed her skills directing church choirs and playing gospel and R&B during high school. Myers earned a Bachelor of Arts in music education from Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she played in the jazz band, directed the choir, learned blues, and self-taught organ. Early gigs included performing at the Safari Room jazz club and summer organ work in Louisville, Kentucky.[1][2][4][5]
After graduating in 1963, Myers moved to Chicago, teaching music at an elementary school for six years while immersing herself in jazz. She joined the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) in 1966, performing at its second concert and crediting it for shaping her compositional style blending gospel, blues, and free jazz. Influenced by AACM founders like Muhal Richard Abrams, she gigged solo piano, copying Nina Simone initially, and collaborated with Chicago jazz figures. In 1976, she relocated to New York City, intensifying her work in composition, theater (including Off-Broadway scores and her musical 'I Dream'), and touring Europe with Lester Bowie's groups. She served as choral director and assistant musical director for projects like Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra.[1][2][3][4][5]
Myers' style fuses gospel roots, blues, avant-garde jazz, and classical elements, evident in her 12 solo albums and works for voice, organ, and ensembles like 'Improvisational Suite for Chorus, Pipe Organ and Percussion.' A 2024 NEA Jazz Master and Arkansas Black Hall of Fame inductee (2001), she has performed globally, taught workshops, and continues active at 83, with recent releases like 'Sama Rou: Songs from My Soul' (2016).[1][2][4]
Fun Facts
- Initially declined a $5/hour nightclub gig in Chicago due to inexperience but took it on a whim, starting her jazz career by copying Nina Simone's easy songs.[1]
- Added 'Amina' to her name in the late 1960s during her AACM period.[4][5]
- Organized her first voice choir in 1975 for her musical 'I Dream,' presented in Chicago.[2][4]
- At 83, she remains active, named a 2024 NEA Jazz Master, blending gospel with free jazz across 12 solo albums.[1][4]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Muhal Richard Abrams - AACM founder and musical director who tutored her and recognized her talent early (AACM training programs and concerts) [1960s]
- Nina Simone - Early stylistic influence copied during first jazz gigs (Songs like 'I Loves You Porgy') [1960s Chicago]
- Black piano players from Memphis - Taught her jazz playing in Chicago (Nightclub performances) [1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Lester Bowie - Quintet and New York Organ Ensemble tours (European tours introducing her music) [1978 onward]
- Archie Shepp - Recordings and performances including North Sea Jazz Festival (Cape Town performances) [1970s-1980s]
- Charlie Haden - Assistant musical director for Liberation Music Orchestra (Liberation Music Orchestra recordings) [1970s]
- Gerald Donovan (Ajaramu) - Organist in his trio (Chicago performances) [1960s]
- AACM Founders (Muhal Richard Abrams, Jodie Christian, Steve McCall, Phil Cohran) - Membership and development in avant-garde scene (AACM concerts and education programs) [1966 onward]
- Gene Ammons, Sonny Stitt, Von Freeman, Anthony Braxton, Rahsaan Roland Kirk - Recordings and performances (Various jazz sessions) [1960s-1970s]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Amina Claudine has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 6, 2026 | 16:06 | Voicesfrom solace of the mind | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ T.R. Johnson | |
| Dec 16, 2025 | 18:32 | africa bluesfrom solace of the mind | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ T.R. Johnson |