Dick Twardzik

Richard Henryk Twardzik (April 30, 1931 – October 21, 1955)[1] was an American jazz pianist who worked in Boston for most of his career.

Dick Twardzik
Background information
Birth nameRichard Henryk Twardzik
Born(1931-04-30)April 30, 1931
Danvers, Massachusetts, U.S.
DiedOctober 21, 1955(1955-10-21) (aged 24)
Paris, France
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Piano
Years active1945–1955

Career

Twardzik trained in classical piano as a child and made his professional debut at the age of fourteen. He was taught by Margaret Chaloff, the mother of baritone saxophone player Serge Chaloff. Twardzik recorded with Serge Chaloff and with Charlie Mariano. He worked with Charlie Parker on several occasions toward the end of Parker's life.[1] Twardzik also played professionally with Chet Baker and Lionel Hampton. He recorded with Baker and Chaloff in 1954 and 1955.[1]

In his teenage years, Twardzik became addicted to heroin.[2] He died October 21, 1955, from a heroin overdose[3] while on tour with Chet Baker in Europe.[2] He was just 24.

Discography

As leader

As sideman

References
  1. Larkin, Colin, ed. (2002). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Fifties Music (3rd ed.). Virgin Books. p. 458. ISBN 1-85227-937-0.
  2. Ankeny, Jason. "Richard Twardzik". AllMusic. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  3. Gioia, Ted (October 1998). West Coast Jazz: Modern Jazz in California, 1945-1960. University of California Press. p. 185. ISBN 978-0-520-21729-4. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
  4. "Pacific Jazz Records Discography: 1952-1954". Jazzdisco.org. Retrieved October 29, 2019.

Further reading
  • Jack Chambers, Bouncing with Bartok, Toronto: Mercury Press, 2008, ISBN 9781551281414
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