Elmo Hope Way – Jazz Pioneer (Bronx)
Present name:Lyman Place
Location:Between Freeman Street and East 169th Street
Honoree: Elmo Hope (1923-1967) was a pianist and composer who furthered the development of jazz piano. By the age of 14, he had made a name for himself in Harlem, attending one of its best music schools, performing, and beginning to compose. In 1940, he walked into an altercation in Harlem and was shot by a policeman. He was charged with assault and attempted robbery but was freed after it was clear that he was running away with other passersby to avoid gunfire by the police. After serving in the US Army, he immersed himself in playing piano in small clubs in the Bronx, Greenwich Village and Coney Island. He was close to fellow musicians Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk. Although a long-term heroin user, he recorded with several big names including Clifford Brown, John Coltrane, Lou Donaldson, Jackie McLean, and Sonny Rollins; and composed over 75 pieces of music. (Gibson)
LL:2016/92