Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, 71; Pianist, Composer, Conductor

Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, 71, a pianist, composer and conductor who worked in a variety of musical genres including jazz and classical as well as film scores, died of cancer March 9 in Chicago.

Born in New York City, Perkinson earned his bachelor’s degree in music at the Manhattan School of Music and his master’s in composition from the same school.

He composed and arranged for a variety of jazz and popular artists including Harry Belafonte, Donald Byrd and Marvin Gaye.

He arranged Gaye’s first platinum album, “I Want You,” on the Motown label. He also played piano with the Max Roach Jazz Quartet from 1964 to ’65.

His film work included the score for the 1973 movie “A Warm December,” which was directed by and starred Sidney Poitier.

From 1965 to 1970, he was co-founder and associate conductor of the Symphony of the New World, and served as its acting musical director during the 1972-73 season.

During his career, he served as music director or composer-in-residence for the Negro Ensemble Company, the Alvin Ailey Dance Company and the Dance Theater of Harlem.