Onaje Allan Gumbs

Pianist

Birthday September 3, 1949

Birth Sign Virgo

Birthplace New York

DEATH DATE Apr 6, 2020 (70)

#151792 Most Popular

About

Prominent musician who spent two years working as a pianist, arranger, and occasional composer for Woody Shaw's band.

Before Fame

He was introduced to guitarist Kenny Burrell in 1971 and gave Burrell his demo tape. He received a call the next day to play with Burrell at Detroit's Baker's Keyboard Lounge.

Trivia

He served as a sideman on many albums, including Avery Sharpe's album Sojourner Truth: Ain't I a Woman from 2012.

Family Life

His family raised him in St. Albans, Queens, nurturing his musical talent along the way. He began taking piano lessons when he was seven.

Associated With

He was influenced early on by the music of Henry Mancini, especially after watching Peter Gunn and Mr. Lucky on TV for which Mancini composed.