William Thomas McKinley

William Thomas McKinley (1938-2015) was a trailblazing American composer and jazz pianist, renowned for his prolific and critically-acclaimed body of work that seamlessly blended classical and jazz influences. Born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, McKinley's music drew inspiration from masters such as Bach, Debussy, Stravinsky, and Vaughan Williams, resulting in a unique and captivating sound. Throughout his career, he composed over 300 works, including orchestral pieces like overtures, symphonies, concertos, and string compositions. McKinley was also a dedicated educator, serving as a longtime faculty member at The New England Conservatory and previously teaching at the University of Chicago. His legacy as a true American original and a pioneer in merging classical composition with post-bop jazz continues to inspire musicians and enthusiasts alike.