Julian Mance, Jr. – born October 10, 1928 in Evanston, Illinois – was a hard bop
jazz pianist better known as Junior Mance. At the age of 5, he began playing an
upright piano, learning stride piano and boogie-woogie from his father. At 10,
his first professional performance was in Chicago, subbing for an ill musician
in his neighbor’s band. He was encouraged to study medicine and attended
Roosevelt College, but left before finishing his first year. He had met tenor
saxophonist Gene Ammons in 1947 and began playing with him in Chicago, recording
an album with him later that year. ...