Dave Brubeck was a legendary jazz pianist and composer who helped to shape the course of jazz music in the 20th century. Born in Concord, California in 1920, Brubeck began playing piano at an early age and went on to study music at the College of the Pacific in Stockton, California.

Brubeck formed his first jazz ensemble, the Dave Brubeck Quartet, in 1951, and the group quickly gained popularity with their innovative approach to time signatures and their use of odd meters. They released their first album, “Jazz at College of the Pacific,” in 1952, and their follow-up album, “Jazz Goes to College,” became a hit in 1954.

In 1959, the Dave Brubeck Quartet released the album “Time Out,” which featured the hit single “Take Five.” The song, which was written by saxophonist Paul Desmond and featured a 5/4 time signature, became one of the best-selling jazz singles of all time and helped to make Brubeck a household name.

Brubeck continued to perform and record music throughout his career, releasing more than 50 albums as a leader and collaborating with a wide range of artists, including jazz greats like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. He was a prolific composer, writing music for film, television, and stage, and he was also a dedicated educator, teaching at institutions such as the Juilliard School and the College of the Pacific.

In addition to his work as a musician, Brubeck was also a social activist and humanitarian. He used his music as a platform to address issues of social justice, and he worked with organizations such as the United Nations and Amnesty International to promote peace and human rights.

Dave Brubeck passed away in 2012 at the age of 91, but his music and legacy continue to inspire and influence jazz musicians and fans around the world. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz pianists and composers of all time, and his contributions to the genre will be remembered for generations to come.