T.K. Blue began his life in music by playing the trumpet from ages 8 to 10, then switching to drums for a year. After a hiatus, at age 17 he dedicated himself to music by learning the flute. While attending New York University Blue threw himself headlong into music, concentrating on the saxophone. After performing and traveling extensively with Abdullah Ibrahim, T.K. moved to Paris where he recorded Egyptian Oasis, his first record as a leader, which sparked State Department tours to some 20 countries in Africa. Back in the USA since 1990, T.K. has worked constantly, in a wide range of styles and situations. Augmenting his long-term relationships as Musical Director with pianist Randy Weston and with the Spirit of Life Ensemble, for several years he was an adjunct professor at Suffolk Community College, and Montclair State University, as well as a full-time professor and director of jazz studies at Long Island University.