Pittsburgh's Own Regional Notables of Jazz
AFRO-AMERICAN MUSIC INSTITUTE CELEBRATES 36 YEARS
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PITTSBURGH JAZZ
From Blakey to Brown, Como to Costa, Eckstine to Eldridge, Galbraith to Garner, Harris to Hines, Horne to Hyman, Jamal to Jefferson, Kelly to Klook; Mancini to Marmarosa, May to Mitchell, Negri to Nestico, Parlan to Ponder, Reed to Ruther, Strayhorn to Sullivan, Turk to Turrentine, Wade to Williams… the forthcoming publication Treasury of Pittsburgh Jazz Connections by Dr. Nelson Harrison and Dr. Ralph Proctor, Jr. will document the legacy of one of the world’s greatest jazz capitals.
Do you want to know who Dizzy Gillespie idolized? Did you ever wonder who inspired Kenny Clarke and Art Blakey? Who was the pianist that mentored Monk, Bud Powell, Tad Dameron, Elmo Hope, Sarah Vaughan and Mel Torme? Who was Art Tatum’s idol and Nat Cole’s mentor? What musical quartet pioneered the concept adopted later by the Modern Jazz Quartet? Were you ever curious to know who taught saxophone to Stanley Turrentine or who taught piano to Ahmad Jamal? What community music school trained Robert McFerrin, Sr. for his history-making debut with the Metropolitan Opera? What virtually unknown pianist was a significant influence on young John Coltrane, Shirley Scott, McCoy Tyner, Bobby Timmons and Ray Bryant when he moved to Philadelphia from Pittsburgh in the 1940s? Would you be surprised to know that Erroll Garner attended classes at the Julliard School of Music in New York and was at the top of his class in writing and arranging proficiency?
Some answers can be gleaned from the postings on the Pittsburgh Jazz Network.
For almost 100 years the Pittsburgh region has been a metacenter of jazz originality that is second to no other in the history of jazz. One of the best kept secrets in jazz folklore, the Pittsburgh Jazz Legacy has heretofore remained mythical. We have dubbed it “the greatest story never told” since it has not been represented in writing before now in such a way as to be accessible to anyone seeking to know more about it. When it was happening, little did we know how priceless the memories would become when the times were gone.
Today jazz is still king in Pittsburgh, with events, performances and activities happening all the time. The Pittsburgh Jazz Network is dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the places, artists and fans that carry on the legacy of Pittsburgh's jazz heritage.
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Duke Ellington is first African-American and the first musician to solo on U.S. circulating coin
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INTERVIEW
LARRY KEITH ESTES PASSES
Larry Estes
Larry Estes Obituary
Larry Keith Estes, age 65, of Hazelwood, Pennsylvania, peacefully transitioned on December 31, 2025.
Larry was born on December 17, 1960, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was the son of the late Floyd (Doll) Estes and the late Claudette Davis Estes. From a young age, it was evident that music would be the foundation of his life. He attended Pittsburgh Public Schools and proudly graduated from Brashear High School. Following high school, Larry continued his education and earned a degree in music, specializing in guitar performance.
Music was not simply something Larry did—it was who he was. He lived, breathed, studied, and mastered music with unmatched passion and dedication. He embraced every aspect of his craft, including composition, performance, and musical theory. Known for his creativity and showmanship, Larry amazed audiences with his extraordinary talent, including playing guitar with his teeth.
Larry was self-employed as a professional musician and enjoyed a career that allowed him to travel extensively throughout the United States. His exceptional talent also took him abroad, including a performance in Japan—an achievement that reflected his international reach and respect. Well known locally and internationally, Larry was admired for his remarkable guitar skills and musical versatility.
In addition to guitar—the love of his life—Larry was also skilled in playing the trombone and bass guitar. He was a musical genius, mentor, and educator who willingly shared his knowledge and inspired countless musicians. Music flowed through his veins and was the language through which he connected with the world. Larry played music for numerous bands starting when he was a young child until he passed away.
Larry was a man of faith and attended Morning Star Baptist Church in Hazelwood, Pennsylvania, the community where he was raised. His love for the Lord guided his life. Known for his warm spirit, Larry had a heart of gold and a musical sense of humor that could always bring a smile to those around him.
Larry Keith Estes leaves to cherish his memories, his niece, Linsday Estes, many cousins, many band members and singers, community of Hazelwood, church members of Morningstar Baptist Church and a host of loving family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd Estes and Claudette Estes, and his only brother, Lloyd Estes.
Larry’s Keith Estes, legacy will live on through the music he created the lives he touched, and the joy he shared. Having received his musical wings, he now flies high.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Larry Estes, please visit our floral store.
Services
January 9, 2026
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Lighthouse Cathedral
810 Fisher Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15210
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dr. Nelson Harrison on
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It is with great sadness that I share this information with each of you. Our musical brother, Larry Keith Estes, is with the ancestors. He did not live to see the New Year! My pianist friend and musical companion and arranger for my albums, Leonard Johnson, III, introduced me to Larry Keith Estes decades ago. Larry performed some of the numbers of my first full album, "Got to Free". playing BOTH guitar and bass on many of those selections, when he was only about 18 or 19 years of age! His age bellied his talents, and what a talent he was! Larry was a great contributor to that project. He was a regular contributor to our Annual B-PEP JAZZ marathons and performed with us this past October 27th. I've never seen him perform when he was not 'into' the performance. He had a steady personality, always positive and cooperative, and giving. The Pittsburgh musical scene is missing a giant. Larry Keith Estes could pretty much play anything! He has left a hole in our hearts!Tim Stevens
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Tonight is the viewing for musician LARRY KEITH ESTES at the Lighthouse Cathedral located 810 Fisher Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15210 between 4 pm to 7 pm. The funeral will take place on Saturday, at 11:00 am at the same location.Let's all show our love to one of the most gifted musicians many of us have the pleasure of knowing and working with.Tim Stevens
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© 2026 Created by Dr. Nelson Harrison.
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