Pittsburgh's Own Regional Notables of Jazz
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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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INTERVIEW
Ronald E. Bickel, from Glenshaw, PA, passed away on February 21, 2026,
Ronald E. Bickel
Ronald E. Bickel, from Glenshaw, PA, passed away on February 21, 2026, at the age of 84. Mr. Bickel was the son of the late well-known pianist, Bill Bickel and the late Irene Bickel. He is survived by his wife, Grace (Pajerski) and children Douglas Bickel, Donald (Monica) Bickel, Elise (Craig) Tauber and stepdaughters Constance Stover and Heather (Ed Tuchler) Govenor; also grandchildren Nate and Abby Stover, Michael Wojdak, Erica Bickel, Aidan Bickel, and Madi, Craig Jr., and Camdyn Tauber; brother of Barbara Ann Goldberg and Karen Bryant.
Ron is a graduate of Duquesne University from which he holds a master’s degree. He has had a long and distinguished career as a musical performer and teacher. He has been a professional pianist for 70 years. Ron taught 31 years in public schools at all levels, both vocal and instrumental. Mr. Bickel was an Adjunct Professor of piano for 25 years at Duquesne University where he taught jazz piano. He also taught music theory and solfeggio at Duquesne University. He has written two books on jazz piano that have been used as part of the jazz curriculum at Duquesne University.
Mr. Bickel has played with many notable musicians including Mel Torme, Michel LeGrand, Gladys Knight, Liberace, Billy Eckstine, Mickey Rooney, Jimmy Dorsey band, The Flamingos and Bobby Vin, as well as a myriad of local jazz artists. He performed with his own group in concert at the Three Rivers Arts Festival, Shadyside Arts Festival, Penn State University, University of Pittsburgh, as well as in prominent night clubs.
Ron has also performed at premier venues in Pittsburgh including Heinz Hall, Benedum Center, Carnegie Music Hall, Syria Mosque, Stanley Theater, on radio, television, and in movies.
Friends will be received on Tuesday from 1:00 to 3:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Bock Funeral Home, Ltd., 1500 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw. Service and Interment will be held privately.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald E. Bickel, please visit our flower store.
© 2026 Created by Dr. Nelson Harrison.
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