Vibraphonist / composer Bobby Hutcherson (born January 27, 1941), was inspired to take up the vibraphone at the age of twelve after hearing Milt Jackson, and became the inspiration for younger musicians like Joe Locke, Stefon Harris, and Steve Nelson. He recorded for Blue Note records from 1963 to 1977, longer than anyone else was associated with that label with the exception of Horace Silver.

Pianist/composer Michel Legrand (born Feb 24, 1932) is credited with composing over 200 film and television scores. He was active in the jazz world for most of his life. A musical milestone was his recording "Legrand Jazz" which released in 1958 and featured luminaries like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Hank Jones and many others. His recordings over the years featured his virtuoso piano playing and his compositions have been embraced by jazz musicians for decades.

William “Count” Basie, (born August 21, 1904) was a pianist, organist and composer who lead one of the greatest big bands of all time for 50 years. The band still performs hundreds of dates throughout the world to this day. Over the years, a procession of jazz giants have passed through the band: Lester Young, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Frank Foster, Frank Wess, and Thad Jones, just to name a few.