David Amram

David Amram (born November 17, 1930 in Philadelphia) is an American composer, musician and writer. His eclectic use of jazz, ethnic and folk music has led him to work with the likes of Thelonious Monk,

David Amram (born November 17, 1930 in Philadelphia) is an American composer, musician and writer. His eclectic use of jazz, ethnic and folk music has led him to work with the likes of Thelonious Monk, Willie Nelson, Charles Mingus, Leonard Bernstein and Jack Kerouac throughout the course of his career. He was appointed composer-in-residence to the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in the 1966-7 season.

Shortly before his seventh birthday Amram and his family moved to a farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. His grandfather, who had been active in early American Zionist circles and had spent considerable time in Palestine, taught him basic Hebrew. His father introduced him to cantorial music and classical music. Amram's uncle loved jazz, introducing him to recordings of great jazz artists, and took him to see many of those artists in person.