Bertha Hope, an iconic jazz pianist, was born in Los Angeles, CA. She began playing piano at the very early age of three. During this time, Bertha was taught by her parents, both of whom worked in the entertainment industry. When she began playing piano, Bertha played classical music, but eventually migrated to jazz music, particularly influenced by legendary jazz pianist, Bud Powell.
Mrs. Hope attended Los Angeles City College and during her studies she befriended multi-instrumentalist, Eric Dolphy. Through his encouragement, she met and connected to Max Roach, Clifford Brown, Les McCann, Teddy Edwards and Vi Redd. Bertha eventually studied under pianist Richie Powell, he played a pivotal role in shaping her craft.
Bertha’s first studio recording was with Elmo Hope. The album titled “Hope-Full" was released in 1961 by Riverside Records. On that album she was featured performing on three songs, it was the only album released by the duo. Mrs. Hope has toured extensively in Europe and Japan, playing with a diverse group of artists. In the 1990s, she released her first albums as a bandleader and additionally worked with her second husband, bassist Walter Booker. She is now a noted educator, composer and bandleader, touring with a variety of musicians, but always simultaneously promoting and performing the music of the late Elmo Hope.
