The younger brother of Bud Powell, Richie Powell had a promising career and a boppish style that was gradually becoming original when he died in the same car crash that ended the life of Clifford Brown. Powell, who studied at New York's City College, played in the bands of Paul Williams (1951-52) and Johnny Hodges (1952-54). As the pianist with the Clifford Brown-Max Roach of Quintet (1954-56), Powell recorded frequently and was starting to get some recognition when he was killed. Unfortunately Richie Powell never had a chance to lead his own record date. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
