Bill Cosby: Jazz Enthusiast and Musician

Bill Cosby may be be known for his comedic timing, but jazz is his passion. William Henry Cosby Jr. was born on July 12, 1937 in Pennsylvania. His film and television career has spanned over three decades. He has been a household name since his stint on the popular 60’s hit “I Spy.” Cosby even had his own cartoon “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids,” in the 70‘s. Maintaining his ability to stay connected through the decades he went on to be acquainted with the younger audience as Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” in the 80’s.

Even though acting has kept Cosby plenty busy, he has always been a lover of music. Cosby has been a drummer and percussionist since high school, he’s also been seen playing the bass guitar as well. He has been known to drop into clubs and get on stage, playing along with his favorites. Cosby who has as hosted the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl since 1979, is a jazz enthusiast!

Cosby incorporated his love of jazz into The Cosby Show; some episodes featured Art Blakey, Tito Puente, Mario Bauza, Bobby Sanabria, Nancy Wilson, and the Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra.

He is a proud supporter of the Jazz Foundation of America whose mission is to provide “financial, medical and legal assistance to those great jazz and blues veterans who have paid their dues by making a lifetime of this music and find themselves in crisis due to illness, age and/or circumstance.”

He paid tribute to his son, Ennis, who was tragically killed on January 16, 1997, on the album “Hello, Friend: To Ennis with Love,” which he produced himself. He also collaborated with Quincy Jones a few times, most recently in 2004 on “The New Mixes: Vol. 1.”

Even at the ripe age of 73, he is still an activist for peace and education. Standing up for the things he believes in, even if it’s not well received by the public at large. He is more than an actor, he’s a humanitarian, husband, father, and music aficionado.