Horace Tapscott was an American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader who played a pivotal role in the development of the West Coast jazz scene. Born in Houston, Texas, in 1934, Tapscott moved to Los Angeles in the 1950s and quickly became a fixture in the city's vibrant jazz community. He was known for his innovative and experimental approach to music, which drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including African, European, and American folk traditions. Tapscott was also a dedicated educator and mentor, and he founded the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, a collective of musicians who shared his commitment to social and political activism.