Pia Beck

Born Pieternella Beck, this grand lady of the Dutch jazz scene has been swinging -- with only musical connotations intended -- ever since she ran away from home at the age of 18 to gig with a sextet. While members of her family all dabbled on various instruments, Beck had no formal training and has been said to possess a remarkable ear. She was active during the World War II years playing at USO shows, then began forming the first of a series of piano trios in the late '40s. Her activities have taken her on tour throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. She owns several nightclubs ...