Dick Katz was born on March 13, 1924 in Maryland. From a young age, he showed a natural talent for music and especially gravitated towards the piano. He began his formal music education at the prestigious Peabody Institute, where he honed his skills and developed his signature style.
After graduating from the Peabody Institute, Katz continued his music education at the Manhattan School of Music and later at Juilliard. His dedication to learning and mastering his craft set him apart early on in his career.
Throughout his career, Dick Katz made a name for himself as a jazz artist of exceptional talent. His unique approach to the piano, characterized by sensitivity and harmonic acumen, earned him high praise from his peers and critics alike. Will Friedwald once described him as "a keyboardist of uncommon sensitivity and harmonic acumen."
In 1966, Katz partnered with jazz record producer Orrin Keepnews to found Milestone Records. This venture allowed Katz to not only showcase his own talents but also support and promote other jazz artists.
Despite his busy career, Katz made time for his personal life. He was married twice, first to Edith Shapiro and later to Joan Seifer. From these marriages, he fathered four sons: Jamie, Frank, Jeffrey, and Ivan. Katz's commitment to his family paralleled his dedication to his music.
Throughout his life, Dick Katz drew inspiration from legendary soloists such as Teddy Wilson, Art Tatum, and Fats Waller. Their innovative approaches to jazz piano left a lasting impact on Katz's own musical style.
Dick Katz's contributions to the jazz world continue to be celebrated today. His legacy as a pianist of exceptional talent and sensitivity lives on through his recordings and the artists he inspired. He will always be remembered as a true master of his craft.