- Born: March 12, 1935 in Detroit, MI
- Genre: Jazz
- Influenced by: Thelonious Monk, Erroll Garner, Bud Powell
- Similar Artists: Tommy Flanagan, Russ Freeman, Don Friedman, Red Garland, Great Jazz Trio, Fred Hersch, Elmo Hope, Hank Jones, Duke Jordan, Wynton Kelly, Kirk Lightsey, Ellis Marsalis, Norman Simmons, Cedar Walton, James Williams, Sir Charles Thompson, McCoy Tyner, Hampton Hawes, Sir Roland Hanna, Eddie Higgins, Ronnie Mathews
One of many talented Detroit pianists of the 1950s (although one of the lesser-known players), the Bud Powell-inspired Hugh Lawson first gained recognition for his work with Yusef Lateef during the late '50s. He recorded with Harry "Sweets" Edison (1962), Roy Brooks, and Lateef on several occasions in the 1960s. In 1972, he was with the Piano Choir (a group with seven pianists). Lawson went on tours with Charles Mingus in 1975 and 1977 and made recordings with Charlie Rouse (1977), George Adams, and as a leader for Storyville and Soul Note. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
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