Jazz pianist and Local 802 member Danny Mixon, who passed away on May 1, 2026 at the age of 76, was a remarkable man in many ways.

I had the pleasure of getting to know him in 2009 when he played in the band of trumpeter Jimmy Owens in support of Local 802’s Justice for Jazz Artist’s campaign, which sought pension contributions from local club owners.

At that time, I remember being astonished at Danny’s piano playing— particularly his left hand, with which he alternately blocked complex, boppish chords and provided a more swinging Harlem Stride approach as needed.

Not long after that, Danny picked up a class at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, replacing the great Junior Mance who had retired from his position there teaching blues to vocalists. The New School jazz part time faculty are covered by an 802 union contract and Danny was very interested in building a pension through his work there.

Daniel Asbury Mixon was born on August 19, 1949, in Harlem and was raised in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a musical household, where his early artistic inclinations were nurtured by his mother and grandparents. By the age of 3, he had begun to express himself through performance. He studied tap dance at the Ruth Williams Dance Studio, where he quickly earned the nickname “The Show Stopper.” He later attended the High School of Performing Arts, majoring in dance.

A pivotal moment in Danny’s life occurred during an afternoon visit to the Apollo Theatre with his grandfather, where he was captivated by the jazz musicians he heard. Inspired, he resolved to become a pianist, a decision he then pursued with unwavering dedication. He began piano lessons at 13 and went on to study with notable instructors, including Sir Roland Hanna.

By 17, Danny had been invited to perform in Atlantic City with Sam Brown and Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles. Two years later, he joined the Muse Quartet under the direction of Chris White. His early career included regular performances with Joe Lee Wilson from 1967 to 1970 and with Betty Carter from 1971 to 1973.

Danny found his greatest artistic fulfillment in performing, composing, and arranging for his own ensemble, the Danny Mixon Trio, which featured Bryce Sebastian and Chuck Ferrugia. He also appeared frequently alongside the jazz vocalist Antoinette Montague.

He was formerly the Musical Director of the Lenox Lounge and was briefly the musical director at Minton’s. Danny was also an instructor and performance artist with Jazzmobile.

Though I knew him to be a gentle and humble man, as I got to know Danny I realized that his humility was even more astonishing given the dizzying heights to which he had ascended as an in-demand pianist— his list of credits included work with Kenny Dorham, Cecil Payne, Grant Green, Pharaoh Sanders, Joe Williams, Eddie Jefferson, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Yusef Lateef. He held down the coveted piano chair with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, and worked with storied leaders Charles Mingus, Lionel Hampton and Frank Foster.

It was only a few years ago that Danny confided in me that he was suffering with late stage cancer and undergoing treatment. But true to form, he never expressed any dread, anxiety or fear around this topic. In fact, it was quite the opposite, and when queried he would simply say “I’m doing great and I’m feeling good.”

One of the last projects we worked on together was to ensure that his AFM pension would be transferred to his partner in the event of his death. He was calm, focused and determined to make sure this was completed.

Danny Mixon was an exemplary person, and I’m honored to have been able to spend time with him. He will be missed.

(Editor’s note: see also Danny Mixon’s official website and his obituary published in the Amsterdam News.)