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McCoy Tyner McCoy Tyner, born on December 11, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was an American jazz pianist known for his powerful playing style, innovative harmonic approach, and his influential role as a member of John Coltrane's legendary quartet. Tyner's career spanned over six decades, during which he established himself as one of the most important and influential pianists in the history of jazz. Tyner began playing piano at a young age and quickly developed a distinctive playing style influenced by the blues, gospel, and the music of his African heritage. He first gained widespread recognition in the early 1960s as a member of John Coltrane's quartet, where his powerful, percussive piano playing provided a strong foundation for Coltrane's adventurous saxophone explorations. One of Tyner's most distinctive contributions to jazz was his innovative approach to harmony. He often used quartal and quintal harmony, which are based on intervals of fourths and fifths rather than the traditional thirds, to create a rich, open sound that was both harmonically adventurous and deeply expressive. Tyner's playing was characterized by its rhythmic intensity, its rich harmonic textures, and its deep sense of spirituality. His solos often built to powerful climaxes, fueled by his strong left-hand comping and his use of dense, cascading chords in the right hand. Tyner's playing was also marked by its lyrical beauty and its ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from joy and exuberance to introspection and longing. In addition to his work with Coltrane, Tyner had a successful career as a bandleader and composer, recording over 80 albums under his own name and earning numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards. His albums as a leader, such as "The Real McCoy" and "Expansions," are considered classics of the genre and showcase his exceptional talent as a pianist and composer. McCoy Tyner passed away on March 6, 2020, but his music continues to be celebrated and admired by jazz fans around the world. His powerful playing style, innovative harmonic approach, and profound musicality have had a lasting impact on the world of jazz, and his legacy as one of the greatest pianists in the history of jazz is secure.