Mary Lou Williams

Mary Lou Williams was not only present for nearly every development in jazz music — she was influential to most of them. In her compositions, arrangements, piano playing, and teaching, she constantly advanced jazz music.

Because March 8 is International Women's Day, this week's Take Five celebrates six important women in jazz. Three exemplify classic artists who paved the way for women's work in a jazz world once dominated by men, while three are modern innovators.