Les McCann was born in Lexington, Kentucky on September 23, 1935. He receive four piano lessons from a neighbor, but he is mostly self-taught. In the early 1950’s, he joined the Navy. While stationed in California, he frequented San Francisco’s jazz clubs. Erroll Garner was one of his early influences.

Once he left the Navy, McCann moved to Los Angeles and formed a trio. He turned down a chance to play with Cannonball Adderly to play in his own band.

In 1960, he was signed to the Pacific Jazz label. He became the label’s most popular artist. His debut album was called Plays the Truth.

Here’s a 1969 performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival.