On May 8, 1910, Mary Lou Williams was born as Mary Elfrieda Scruggs in Atlanta, Georgia. A child prodigy on the piano, she would grow into one of the most influential figures in jazz history. Over a prolific five-decade career, Williams shattered gender barriers by excelling not only as a pianist but also as a composer and arranger—roles rarely afforded to women in the male-dominated jazz scene.

Williams worked with legends like Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Thelonious Monk, and her compositions shaped the swing, bebop, and modern jazz movements. She arranged for the biggest bands of her time and later became a mentor to emerging musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis. Her spiritual and avant-garde compositions in the later years of her life reflected a deep commitment to both musical and social transformation.

Mary Lou Williams remains a towering example of artistic mastery and resilience, and a pioneer whose legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians—especially women in jazz.