Carla Bley

About

A pivotal figure in the 1960s free jazz movement. She became known for "Escalator Over The Hill," a jazz opera. Her oeuvre was covered by several other influential artists, including her ex-husband Paul Bley.

Before Fame

She relocated to New York when she was 17 and worked as a cigarette girl at Birdland.

Trivia

She was honored in 2009 with A Life for Jazz, the German Jazz Trophy. Her song "Lawns" has accumulated more than 1 million streams on Spotify. 

Family Life

Her father was a church choirmaster and piano teacher, who encouraged her pursuit of voice and piano when she was young.

Associated With

She collaborated with many of the major artists of her time, including Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason.