William Franklin Lee III

William Franklin Lee III, aka Bill Lee (20 February 1929 Galveston, Texas; d. 23 October 2011 New Smyrna Beach, Florida) was an American jazz pianist, composer, arranger, author, and music educator who was renowned for pioneering comprehensive music education, including jazz, at the collegiate level of a full liberal arts university. Lee was well known for having led the University of Miami School of Music to greater international influence across several music genres, particularly jazz. He served as Miami's third dean, from 1964 to 1982. In 1989, he retired from the University of Miami, but continued to work in music education at other institutions. Upon his initial retirement, the University of Miami acknowledged his contribution to his discipline and to the university by awarding him two permanent titles: distinguished professor emeritus of music theory and composition and emeritus composer in residence.

Before retiring, Lee served as vice-president and provost at the University of Miami. He also served as past president and past executive director of IAJE.

One of his sons, Will Lee (William Frankin Lee IV), is a prolific bassist and an original member of the bands on NBC's Late Night with David Letterman and CBS' Late Show with David Letterman, both led by Paul Shaffer.

Lee graduated from Kirwin High School, Galveston in 1945. He subsequently obtained a bachelor's degree in music, in 1949; and a master of science degree, in 1950, both from the University of North Texas College of Music. In 1956, he also obtained a master of music degree in composition and a PhD in music school administration, both from the University of Texas at Austin.

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