Robert L. Steele ("Lanny") (December 30, 1933 – October 21, 1994) was an American jazz pianist, educator, composer,[1] and jazz festival promoter. He founded the Texas Southern University Jazz Ensemble.[2]

Steele graduated from Lamar High School in Houston, Texas. He studied music at the University of North Texas College of Music, where he was a member of the One O'Clock Lab Band.

He was a pianist for Arnett Cobb. He taught music at Texas Southern University, where he created the TSU Jazz Ensemble. He also founded the Juneteenth Blues Festival (Houston), a commemoration of the liberation of Texan African-Americans from slavery. He helped organize the Houston Jazz Festival and was a co-founder of SUMArts.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Contemporary American Composers, A biographical dictionary, First edition. Compiled by E. Ruth Anderson. Boston: G.K. Hall & Co. (1976)
  2. ↑ Jack Bowers, All About Jazz, Dec 5, 2009
  3. ↑ Jim Sherman, "Goodbye to Lanny Steele", Houston Press, October 22, 1994


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