Horace Tapscott with the Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra

Horace Tapscott was an American pianist and composer. He founded the Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra (PAPA) in 1961, a group that played a crucial role in reintroducing pan African-roots sounds into jazz music during the US black civil rights era. Known for his piano work, Tapscott also served in the US Air Force before returning to Los Angeles and playing trombone with various bands, including Lionel Hampton's. PAPA later became part of the Underground Musicians Association (UGMAA), contributing to the development of African-American music as a whole.

Tapscott's career spanned several decades, with PAPA running until the 1990s when he retired. The Ark attracted talented musicians such as Arthur Blythe, Stanley Crouch, Butch Morris, Wilber Morris, David Murray, Jimmy Woods, and more. Through their performances and refinement of the art form, Tapscott and PAPA aimed to elevate African-American music while honoring its pan African-roots.

Despite his passing on February 27th, 1999 at age 64 in Los Angeles California USA; Horace Tapscott's legacy lives on through his influential contributions to jazz music and his dedication to promoting African-American culture within it.

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Horace Tapscott with the Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra
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