Orrin Keepnews, Jazz Producer, Dead at 91

Orrin Keepnews was a record executive and the producer behind many classic jazz albums. He died today at his home in El Cerrito, Calif., The New York Times reports. He was 91.

Keepnews, born in the Bronx, founded the jazz labels Riverside, Milestone, and Landmark. He was a jazz journalist whose writing appeared in many albums’ liner notes. His production work included albums by Thelonious Monk (Brilliant Corners), Bill Evans (Waltz For Debby), Sonny Rollins, Cannonball Adderley, Clark Terry, Wes Montgomery, Chet Baker, and many others.

In 2011, he was named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master. He received a lifetime achievement award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in 2004. There was a reissue series named for him—the Keepnews Collection.

Below, watch an interview where he discusses working with Rollins. Also, hear Monk’s “Brilliant Corners”, which was produced by Keepnews.

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