Denny Zeitlin is a multifaceted American jazz pianist, composer, and clinical professor of psychiatry, born in Chicago in 1938. With a career spanning over six decades, Zeitlin has recorded more than 100 compositions, showcasing his versatility across genres such as hard bop, fusion, and avant-garde jazz. He gained critical acclaim, winning first place in the DownBeat International Jazz Critics' Poll in 1965 and 1974. Zeitlin's musical journey began in the 1960s, and he has since released over thirty-five critically acclaimed albums. His work extends beyond jazz, including the soundtrack for the 1978 film "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and original music for "Sesame Street." Zeitlin's unique blend of musical prowess and academic achievement makes him a standout figure in both the music and medical worlds.