Tennyson Stephens, jazz pianist who starred in cult classic film ‘Stony Island,’ dies at 83
<p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Tennyson Stephens was a "baaad" man. </p><p>It's how fellow musicians who heard the jazz pianist gig around Chicago in the '70s tend to describe him, especially when Mr.
Reported by 1 outlet — Chicago Sun-Times. See all sources ↓
<p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Tennyson Stephens was a "baaad" man. </p><p>It's how fellow musicians who heard the jazz pianist gig around Chicago in the '70s tend to describe him, especially when Mr. Stephens merged talents with legendary Chicago jazz guitarist <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/obituaries/2025/12/17/legendary-chicago-guitarist-phil-upchurch-collaborator-with-a-whos-who-of-musicians-dies-at-84" >Phil Upchurch</a>, who died in late 2025.</p><p>The two released the album Upchurch/Tennyson in 1975.</p><p>"Tennyson was a musical genius," said keyboardist Dale Powers, adding that Mr. Stephens, who was born in Texas but established his musical reputation in Chicago, was a major influence on Donny Hathaway and Minnie Riperton.</p><p>"Donny would be asking him 'Tenny, how'd you do this, how'd you play this chord?'" said Powers.</p><p>Mr.
Read the full report at Chicago Sun-Times ↗
Why it matters
A world story we're tracking; its significance and source trust firm up as more outlets confirm it.
- What's the story?
- <p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Tennyson Stephens was a "baaad" man. </p><p>It's how fellow musicians who heard the jazz pianist gig around Chicago in the '70s tend to describe him, especially when Mr.
- How widely is it covered?
- 1 outlet, average source rating 6.0/10.
- When was it last updated?
- 14m ago.
How outlets are framing the same story
Here's how each outlet is covering the story — compare their headlines and timing at a glance.
- Coverage card1 outlet1CoverageScouting report
Tennyson Stephens, jazz pianist who starred in cult classic film ‘Stony Island,’ dies at 83
Sources1TypeCoverageChicago Sun-Times