TRANSCRIPT:
I’m Mark Rapp, and this is Rapp on Jazz.
Marian McPartland was born in England, but jazz was her chosen language, and America became her stage.
A brilliant pianist, Marian defied expectations in a male-dominated field, blending classical training with deep jazz instincts. Her style was subtle yet sophisticated—swinging, searching, and always expressive.
But her greatest legacy may be her voice—literally. For over 30 years, Marian hosted “Piano Jazz” on NPR, a groundbreaking radio show where she played and conversed with the biggest names in jazz. From Oscar Peterson to Diana Krall, she made listeners feel like they were in the room.
Marian McPartland didn’t just play jazz—she championed it, taught it, and passed it on with grace.
This has been Rapp on Jazz, a co-production of ColaJazz and SC Public Radio, made possible by The ETV Endowment of South Carolina.