American avant-garde jazz pianist and organist, born December 25, 1941 in Roanoke, Virginia, USA, died April 22, 1995 of lymphoma at the age of 53 in East Orange, New Jersey, USA. Pullen, was known for a percussive approach to his instrument, and for playing with his elbows, backs of hands, etc. He played with Albert Ayler and in a group with Charles Mingus and George Adams in the late '70s.
In the 70s he worked also as arranger for record companies, and accompanied various singers including Arthur Prysock, Irene Reid, Ruth Brown, Jimmy Rushing and Nina Simone.