Why Was Easley R Blackwood Famous?

Blackwood was known for his book, The Structure of Recognizable Diatonic Turnings published in 1985. Several recordings of his music have been released by Cedile Records beginning in the 1990s such as Introducing Easley Blackwood.

Blackwood was a professor of music, concert pianist, composer, and the author of music theory, including his research into the properties of microtonal turnings and traditional harmony.

As a performer at the piano, Blackwood played diverse compositions and promoted the music of Charles Ives, Pierre Boulez and the Second Viennese School.

In addition to his solo piano performances, Blackwood was the pianist in the chamber group Chicago Pro Musica, largely comprising members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.