Walter Davis Jr.; Be-Bop Pianist, Composer

Walter Davis Jr., 57, a be-bop pianist and composer, who in the 1940s worked with the vocal group Three Bips and a Bop and by the early ‘50s was appearing with Charlie Parker and drummer Max Roach. In the last several years, Davis had teamed up with old musical partners that included Art Taylor, Jackie McLean and Donald Byrd to perform in France and Italy. Davis, an admirer of pianist Bud Powell, appeared at Lincoln Center in a tribute to Powell last August. He also contributed to the soundtrack for “Bird,” Clint Eastwood’s film about Parker’s life. On June 2 in New York City of liver and kidney disease.