Hank Jones (July 31, 1918 – May 16, 2010) was an American jazz pianist, bandleader, arranger, and composer. Critics and musicians described Jones as eloquent, lyrical, and impeccable.  One of seven children (including brothers Thad and Elvin), he grew up in Pontiac, Michigan. With territory band experience, he went to New York with Lucky Thopson's band in 1944. Gigs with John Kirby, Howard McGhee, Coleman Hawkins, Andy Kirk and Billy Eckstine prepared him for extended tours with Norman Granz's Jazz at the Philharmonic. He was Ella Fitzgerald's accompanist from 1948 to 1953, also working with the bands of Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman. His recordings and engagements are legion - documented by jazz historians everywhere. In 1989, The National Endowment for the Arts honored him with the NEA Jazz Masters Award.