Kenny Cox (1940–2008) was an American jazz pianist, composer and educator who played a vital role in the Detroit jazz scene.Kenny Cox
A Detroit native, Cox started out playing piano with singer Etta James. Soon he was leading his own band, billed as Kenny Cox and the Contemporary Jazz Quintet, and recorded two influential records for Blue Note in the late 1960s. “Multidirection” in particular combined post-bop, modal and avant-garde elements and showcased his pianistic prowess. Cox also co-founded the iconic Strata Records label, and its DIY aesthetic has gone on to inspire countless musicians. In his later life he taught as a professor at the University of Michigan, leaving a deep and rich legacy.
