Junior Mance (1928–2021) was an acclaimed American jazz pianist celebrated for his soulful, blues-infused style and expressive touch. Emerging from the Chicago jazz scene, he built a storied career accompanying legends such as Lester Young, Dizzy Gillespie, and Cannonball Adderley before leading his own trios. Mance’s deeply rhythmic playing and warm, melodic phrasing bridged gospel roots with bebop sophistication, earning him international respect. Over seven decades, he recorded extensively as both leader and sideman, leaving an enduring legacy as a master of swing, soul, and heartfelt musical storytelling.