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ROSS CARNEGIE: A LEGEND IN OUR TIME
Harlem circa the 1950’s was an exciting and vibrant hotbed for some of the most talented musicians who played and improvised their way into history. Jazz, swing, big band and blues oozed out of the clubs and transformed music as we know it today. For those who had the opportunity to hear the Ross Carnegie Orchestra in its many incarnations; it was pure bliss.

A gifted piano stylist, arranger, composer and enigmatic band leader, young Ross Carnegie was the cream of the crop and a mainstay on the scene in New York City. Born in Toronto, Canada he started his legendary musical journey studying at the Toronto Conservatory at the tender age of fourteen with money earned on his paper route. After a brief stint as a star hockey player in his home country was cut short due to injury he focused on his true love; music.

At the age of nineteen after a rather fragile and difficult relationship with his unsupportive father he made the decision to make the big leap and move to the Mecca of music, New York City to realize his dream. Arriving at Grand Central Station on January the 19th of 1947 with nothing but hope and a prayer he sought out his musical idol; Teddy Wilson. He studied at the Metropolitan Music School under Mr. Wilson’s tutelage and later with Mary Lou Williams and J. Lawrence Cook and attended the Manhattan School of Music.

The influence of these masters is very evident in his style and young Ross Carnegie started fusing classical music with the jazz music he loved so much and the result is his unique sound. A savvy entrepreneur he used his talents and built a successful real estate portfolio with the help of his beloved aunts who were also in the business and doted on him. He now had the freedom to do what he loved most and he began performing first in bands and as fate would have it he started the Ross Carnegie Orchestra.

Although he never recorded as an artist as was the norm among musicians of the day, he concentrated on building a name for himself and quickly became the go to band and even named the top band in New York City. Word spread quickly and some of the most famous and notable musicians would contact him for work when they came into town and would sit in and play in his orchestra.

He played alongside Louis Armstrong and a benefit with Ed Sullivan and other notable musicians as Alphonse Mouzon, O. C. Smith of Green Apples, Oliver Nelson, Charlie Percept, Chris Woods, Gil Askey, Jemel Chisolm, Sticks Evans, Eddie Preston and Harold Ousley to name a few.

Through the years, Mr. Carnegie has mentored many musicians imparting his vast knowledge and wisdom and in the latter years of his career has focused on ‘The Ross Carnegie Teaching Method’; an innovative teaching he has pioneered. His passion for music has never waned and now new generations are discovering his music all over again through his books and dvd’s.

Ross Carnegie lives in Harlem and still receives visitors, students and admirers at his piano studio. www.rosscarnegie.com