HILTON RUIZ (pianist) was born May 29, 1952 in New York City and passed away June 6, 2006 in New Orleans. A talented pianist in the Afro Cuban and bebop realms, he was taught by the renowned Mary Lou Williams and worked with Tito Puente, Ray Barretto and most significantly, Rahsann Roland Kirk. Ruiz recorded over 20 albums as leader and was sideman on hundreds more as well as co-authoring “Jazz and How to Play It”.