Biography
McCoy Tyner, born Alfred McCoy Tyner on December 11, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, emerged as one of the most influential jazz pianists of the twentieth century. Raised in a musically vibrant neighborhood, Tyner began piano lessons at age 13, encouraged by his mother and local teachers. Early exposure to jazz greats like Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk, as well as classical training, shaped his distinctive approach. Tyner's professional career began in earnest with the Benny Golson–Art Farmer Jazztet in 1959, but his international reputation was cemented when he joined John Coltrane's legendary quartet in 1960. With Coltrane, Tyner contributed to groundbreaking albums such as 'My Favorite Things,' 'Impressions,' and the spiritual masterpiece 'A Love Supreme,' helping to define the sound of modern jazz through his powerful, modal harmonies and percussive style.
After leaving Coltrane's group in 1965, Tyner established himself as a prolific bandleader and composer, recording over eighty albums across a range of settings—from trios to big bands. His music incorporated African, Latin, and Eastern influences, and he became known for his innovative use of block chords, pentatonic scales, and rhythmic complexity. Tyner's solo work, including albums like 'The Real McCoy,' 'Sahara,' and 'Fly With The Wind,' further expanded the boundaries of jazz piano. Over his career, he received five Grammy Awards, the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Award, and an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music. Tyner passed away on March 6, 2020, leaving a legacy celebrated for its spiritual depth, technical brilliance, and enduring influence on generations of musicians.
Fun Facts
- Tyner converted to Islam as a teenager and adopted the name Sulaimon Saud, though he continued to perform as McCoy Tyner.
- He was recognized as a Steinway Artist, a distinction given to pianists of exceptional achievement.
- Tyner's mother, Beatrice, was a significant supporter of his early musical ambitions and helped him secure his first piano.
- He was known for his love of healthy foods, especially vegetables, fruit, and fish, and enjoyed Japanese and Indian cuisine.
Associated Acts
- John Coltrane Quartet - piano (1959–1965)
- McCoy Tyner Trio - eponymous, original, piano
- The Curtis Fuller Sextette
- McCoy Tyner Quintet - eponymous, original
- McCoy Tyner Sextet - eponymous, original, piano
- John Coltrane Quintet - piano
- The Great Quartet
- McCoy Tyner Quartet - piano
- Elvin Jones McCoy Tyner Quintet
- McCoy Tyner / Freddie Hubbard Quartet - eponymous, original, piano
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Bud Powell - Neighbor and early stylistic influence; Powell's innovative bebop piano style deeply impacted Tyner's musical development. (N/A (influence rather than direct collaboration)) [1940s–1950s]
- Thelonious Monk - Major inspiration for Tyner's harmonic approach and rhythmic experimentation. (N/A (influence rather than direct collaboration)) [1950s]
- Mr. Habershaw and Mr. Beroni - Early piano teachers; Habershaw taught beginning piano, Beroni taught classical technique. (N/A) [Early 1950s]
Key Collaborators
- John Coltrane - Pianist in Coltrane's Classic Quartet; foundational collaborator on landmark jazz recordings. (My Favorite Things, Impressions, A Love Supreme, Africa/Brass, Kulu Se’ Mama) [1960–1965]
- Elvin Jones - Drummer in the John Coltrane Quartet; frequent collaborator in Tyner's early career. (Coltrane Quartet albums, live performances) [1960–1965]
- Jimmy Garrison - Bassist in the John Coltrane Quartet; key rhythm section partner. (Coltrane Quartet albums) [1960–1965]
- Benny Golson and Art Farmer - Member of the Jazztet; Tyner's first major professional gig and recording debut. (Meet The Jazztet, Killer Joe) [1959–1960]
- Joe Henderson - Collaborated on Tyner's post-Coltrane recordings. (The Real McCoy) [1967]
- Freddie Hubbard - Frequent collaborator on various albums and live performances. (Multiple Blue Note sessions) [1960s–1970s]
Artists Influenced
- Chick Corea - Corea adopted Tyner's modal and percussive piano approach in his own work. (Now He Sings, Now He Sobs) [1960s–1970s]
- Herbie Hancock - Hancock cited Tyner's harmonic innovations as a key influence on his own style. (Maiden Voyage, Empyrean Isles) [1960s–1970s]
- Brad Mehldau - Mehldau and other modern jazz pianists have incorporated Tyner's chord voicings and rhythmic concepts. (Multiple albums) [1990s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Today And Tomorrow | 1964 | Album |
| Nights Of Ballads & Blues | 1963 | Album |
| The Real McCoy (Remastered / Rudy Van Gelder Edition) | 1967 | Album |
| Inception | 1962 | Album |
| McCoy Tyner Plays Ellington | 1964-01-01 | Album |
| Plays John Coltrane: Live At The Village Vanguard | 2001-10-16 | Album |
| Forces of Nature: Live at Slugs' | 2024-11-22 | Album |
| Fly With The Wind | 1976 | Album |
| The Impulse Story | 2006-01-01 | Album |
| Soliloquy | 1992-01-01 | Album |
| McCoy Tyner With Stanley Clarke And Al Foster | 2000-01-25 | Album |
| Sama Layuca | 1974-01-01 | Album |
| Sahara | 1972-01-01 | Album |
| Trident | 1975-01-01 | Album |
| Extensions | 1970 | Album |
Top Tracks
- When Sunny Gets Blue (Today And Tomorrow)
- We'll Be Together Again (Nights Of Ballads & Blues)
- Days Of Wine And Roses (Nights Of Ballads & Blues)
- Search For Peace (The Real McCoy (Remastered / Rudy Van Gelder Edition))
- Satin Doll (Nights Of Ballads & Blues)
- For Heaven's Sake (Nights Of Ballads & Blues)
- Blue Monk (Nights Of Ballads & Blues)
- Autumn Leaves (Today And Tomorrow)
- Contemplation (The Real McCoy (Remastered / Rudy Van Gelder Edition))
- Groove Waltz (Nights Of Ballads & Blues)
External Links
Tags: #2008-universal-fire-victim, #afro-cuban-jazz, #american
References
Heard on WWOZ
mccoy tyner has been played 14 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station. Showing the 10 most recent plays.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 15, 2025 | 17:55 | festival in bahiafrom mccoy and the latin all-stars | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Maryse Dejean | |
| Dec 10, 2025 | 08:56 | You Stepped Out of a Dreamfrom Fly with the Wind | The Morning Setw/ Breaux Bridges | |
| Dec 8, 2025 | 17:18 | SEARCH FOR PEACEfrom MCCOY TYNER QUARTET | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Maryse Dejean | |
| Dec 8, 2025 | 01:51 | She's Leaving Home | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis | |
| Dec 3, 2025 | 18:52 | fly with the windfrom fly with the wind | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón | |
| Nov 26, 2025 | 18:12 | inner glimpsefrom mccoy tyner quartets 4x4 | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón | |
| Nov 12, 2025 | 07:50 | Just Feelin'from Just Feelin' | The Morning Setw/ Breaux Bridges | |
| Nov 5, 2025 | 16:51 | walk spirit,talk spiritfrom mccoy tyner quartet | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón | |
| Oct 29, 2025 | 16:12 | passion dancefrom the turning point | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón | |
| Oct 14, 2025 | 07:40 | Summertimefrom Bon Voyage | The Morning Setw/ Fox Duhon or Mark LaMaire |