Bill Lee III was a jazz bassist and composer whose work spanned six decades, blending jazz with folk, classical, and orchestral traditions. Born in Snow Hill, Alabama, in 1928, Lee pioneered innovative ensemble formats, most notably founding the New York Bass Violin Choir featuring multiple bassists including Richard Davis, Ron Carter, and Milt Hinton. He composed film scores for his son Spike Lee's early films, including Mo' Better Blues, and created ambitious works like folk-jazz operas. He also worked as a session musician with Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, and Peter, Paul and Mary. He died in 2023.
