MARCUS ROBERTS

Through his work as a pianist for the Wynton Marsalis group from 1985 through 1991, Marcus Roberts made a name for himself as a gifted musician. Since 1991, he has continued to steadily build upon his stellar reputation, carving a niche for himself in jazz history and releasing more than a dozen albums. He has the distinction of being the first jazz musician to have his first three recordings reach number one on Billboard's traditional jazz chart. In addition to recording his original solo and band material, Roberts has also explored the American solo piano tradition with his versions of classics by Ellington, Monk, Jelly Roll Morton and James P. Johnson. Blind since the age of five, Roberts has devoted himself to working with the blind. He is also an active educator, conducting seminars and clinics throughout the country.