McCann, Leslie Coleman
(born: September 23, 1935 - died: December 29, 2023)Born in Lexington, KY, Les McCann is a self-taught musician. He left Kentucky to join the Navy in the 1950s. In 1956, while still in the Navy, he won a talent contest for his singing, leading to his appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. McCann later formed a trio in Los Angeles.
In 1960 he signed a contract with Pacific Jazz and recorded Les McCann Plays the Truth and The Shout. He was known for his piano playing style, and on the successful album Swiss Movement he emphasized his singing.
McCann suffered a stroke in the 1990s but returned to singing and playing. In 2002 he was included in the recording of Pump It Up.
Les McCann died in Los Angeles, California in 2023. He was the son of James and Anna McCann.
For more see Les McCann at the All About Jazz website; Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American African Musicians, by E. Southern; Andre Henkin, "Les McCann, pianist, singer and soul jazz pioneer, dies at 88," The New York Times (online), 01/01/2024.