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Harry Whitaker was an American pianist and songwriter, born on September 19, 1942, in Pensacola, Florida, and he passed away on November 17, 2010, in New York City. He grew up in Detroit, influenced by the bluesy styles of Barry Harris, Tommy Flanagan, and Hank Jones. In 1961, Harry moved to New York City, where he played nights and weekends until securing his first long-term gig with R&B star Lloyd Price from 1965 to 1970. He also took on various road jobs, including work with Eugene McDaniel and Blood, Sweat & Tears. Harry spent four years with vibist Roy Ayers in the Funk/Fusion group "Ubiquity," where he played organ, piano, harpsichord, electric piano, and synthesizers, creating music that continues to attract hip-hop samplers today. Following this, he served as Roberta Flack's musical director for nine years. Throughout his career, he collaborated with artists such as Stephanie Mills, Carmen Lundy, Gary Bartz, and Phyllis Hyman, and his music was featured by director Quentin Tarantino in the film "Jackie Brown." Harry played on at least 25 albums, releasing his first as a leader, "The Sound of Harry Whitaker," in 2001 on Fresh Sound Records. In his later years, he recorded two additional jazz piano albums for the Smalls Record label and frequently performed

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