Aziza Miller

Biography

Native New Yorker Aziza Miller is an award-winning poet, pianist, composer, conductor, lyricist, and educator, whose music continues to be performed and recorded, nationwide. With an illustrious jazz career spanning five decades, her contributions as both a solo artist and collaborator have left an indelible mark on the jazz music landscape.

Aziza’s musical journey took flight in 1975 when she joined the legendary Natalie Cole as pianist, music director, and conductor. This groundbreaking collaboration spanned over a decade, resulting in multiple world tours and unforgettable performances venues such as like Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, and the Iridium. During her time in Los Angeles, Aziza expanded her artistic repertoire, collaborating with legendary figures like Linda Hopkins, Freda Payne, and Marlena Shaw. She also showcased her remarkable piano skills at Mitzi Shore's Comedy Store, providing musical accompaniment for renowned comedians Robin Williams, Damon Wayans, Whoopi Goldberg, and Rodney Dangerfield.

In 1985, Aziza returned to New York City to reignite her passion for education. Teaching became a cornerstone of her career, inspiring countless young musicians. She began in Brooklyn at JHS 263 before founding a signature music program at the Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS) in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of NYC. Holding both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music theory and education from Manhattan School of Music, Aziza also earned her vocal teaching license through the NYC Department of Education. Her dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians extended to organizing extraordinary student performances, including a night with Marvin Hamlisch at Madison Square Garden and a Vatican performance by invitation of Pope John Paul II.

Under Aziza’s guidance, her students flourished, becoming accomplished jazz and pop artists. One of her most notable protégés is multi-Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys, who credits “Miss Aziza” for introducing her to jazz, blues, music theory, classical music, and the art of vocal performance. Broadway star Marty Thomas, another PPAS alum, triumphed on Junior "Star Search" with an original song written by Aziza, “The Time Is Now,” surpassing a young Britney Spears.

Aziza’s influence extended beyond the classroom. She served as a teaching artist at esteemed organizations like the 92nd Street Y, Arts Connection, and the New York Foundation for the Arts. Her excellence in music education earned her the Presidential Scholar Distinguished Teacher Award from President Bill Clinton in 1997. True to her name, meaning “beloved” in African culture, Aziza is celebrated by generations of students for her profound impact.

In 1979, performing under the name Linda Williams, Aziza released her solo debut album City Living on Arista Records, featuring the timeless classics “Elevate Our Minds”. Aziza’s collaborations have included projects with Ahmad Jamal, Ray Bryant, and Richard Evans. Vanessa Williams in August 2024 recorded a cover of “La Costa”, a song co-written by both Aziza(Linda Williams) and Natalie Cole. Aziza wrote the music and Natalie penned the lyrics. In August of 2025, SmoothJazz award winning saxophone player, Najee along with award winning vocalist Regina Belle recorded La Costa. As a testament to the staying power of Aziza’s music across multiple genres, three of her original compositions on her City Living album(1979) have been sampled and recorded by top hip hop rappers: Redman (“Dynomite”), Taylor Bennett, (“Neon Lights”) and Ben Westbeech (“Get Closer”).

Aziza’s remarkable talent has shined on many Broadway stages, with performances in productions of "A Brief History of White Music in America," “The Color Purple,” and currently on Alicia Keys’ musical “Hell’s Kitchen”, where Aziza is the featured on-stage pianist.

In October 2024, Aziza was honored with the Arthur Miller Foundation Award for Excellence in Education in the Arts, a fitting tribute to a lifetime devoted to music and mentorship. Aziza Miller’s journey continues to be one of inspiration, passion, and a commitment to excellence, elevating and empowering audiences and students alike. Currently, Aziza is in the process of recording her new album, with an anticipated release date of January 2026.