Bill Lee was an American musician and composer (1928-2023). During the 1940s and 50s, Lee was a sideman and session player, working with Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and many others. He founded the New York Bass Violin Choir. He composed original music for numerous films directed by his son Spike Lee, such as Do The Right Thing and School Daze, and also appeared in his films She's Gotta Have It, Mo' Better Blues, and Rage of Vengeance.