Linda K. Twine

(1945 - Present)

Profession: Broadway Musician, Educator

Hometown: Muskogee

Inducted: 2007

Linda K. Twine is a renowned pianist, composer, conductor, and arranger from Muskogee. Her grandfather, William H. Twine, settled Muskogee in 1890. He worked as a civil rights attorney and published the Muskogee Cimeter. Twine's family witnessed her natural talent for music at an early age. At five years old, she played songs on the piano by ear. After graduating from high school in Muskogee, Twine earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Oklahoma City University. Twine then moved to New York City where she received her Masters in Music from the Manhattan School of Music. She went on to work as a teacher in New York City.

Beginning in 1977, Twine debuted on Broadway as a keyboardist on The Wiz. Positions as music director, conductor, or vocal arranger for hits such as The Color Purple, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music, Ain't Misbehavin, and more followed. Twine worked on shows across North America, Europe, and Asia.

In 1992, The Los Angeles Drama Circle recognized her for outstanding work in the field of music with the award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Direction. She received an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Oklahoma City University in 1994. Throughout her career, Twine remained dedicated to community service. Volunteering for the Boys Choir of Harlem and assisting in the production of music books for K-12 learners are just a few of her community contributions.