Byron Janis
American pianist and composer Byron Janis was born Byron Yanks (shortened from Yankilevitch) at McKeesport in Pennsylvania on 24 March 1928. He studied piano with Abraham Litow, Josef and Rosina Lhévinne, Adele Marcus and Vladimir Horowitz.
He made many recordings for RCA Victor and Mercury Records. Later in his career he developed severe hand and wrist arthritis, and worked in Arthritis advocacy.
He also discovered two different versions of manuscripts for two previously published Chopin Waltzes.
As a composer his output included music for TV shows and musical theatre.
Byron Janis died on 14 March 2024, aged ninety-five.