A piano was rolled into Mary Lou Williams’ hospital room in North Carolina. The master jazz pianist was writing one last piece of music.
She never finished it. For decades after her death in 1981, Williams’ final creative endeavor was believed to be lost to history. That is, until now.
This month, Miami Beach’s New World Symphony is resurrecting Williams’ recently rediscovered piece and paying homage to the prolific musician’s work and life for it’s annual I Dream A World festival , commemorating Black History Month, the Harlem Renaissance and the contributions of Black musicians.
“I Dream A World: Mary Lou’s Harlem” runs from Feb 4 to 25, with a family-friendly show, a cabaret-style performance, a documentary film screening and several concerts featuring music made by Williams and the jazz musicians she worked with and inspired.