Lanny Steele

Robert L. Steele ("Lanny") (b Dec 30, 1933; d Oct 21, 1994) was an American jazz pianist, music educator, composer, and jazz festival promoter. Steele founded the Texas Southern University Jazz Ensemble.

Professional career
Steele was pianist for the late Arnett Cobb. He taught music at Texas Southern University, where he created the TSU Jazz Ensemble. He also founded the Juneteenth Blues Festival (Houston), a musical commemoration of the liberation of Texas' African-Americans from slavery presented. He also was an organizer of the Houston Jazz Festival and cofounder of SUMArts.

Education

 * 1952 &mdash; Graduated Lamar High School, Houston, TX
 * 1960s &mdash; Studied music at the University of North Texas College of Music where he was a member of the One O'Clock Lab Band