**Carol Lou Woodward: A Jazz Pioneer and Emotional Projector**

Carol Lou Woodward, born on May 20, 1931, in Peru, Indiana, is an acclaimed American jazz pianist celebrated for her leadership of The Carol Lou Trio, a jazz combo that gained modest popularity in the mid-eastern United States from the 1950s to the 1970s. As an Emotional Projector in Human Design, Woodward embodies the qualities of guidance and insight, utilizing her Emotional Inner Authority to navigate her artistic journey and relationships within the music industry.

The Carol Lou Trio, which prominently featured her husband and bassist John Hedges, showcased a unique blend of talent and creativity, employing various drummers over the years, including the notable Harold Jones, who later played with the Count Basie band and Tony Bennett. Their reputation grew primarily through word of mouth, leading to the release of several singles and one album that captured the essence of their sound.

In alignment with her Projector strategy of “Waiting for the Invitation,” Woodward thrived in her musical career, particularly after remarrying. She performed as a soloist and in small combos in and around Richmond, Indiana, a city of historical significance in jazz, being home to Gennett Records, which produced early recordings by legends like Louis Armstrong.

In 2013, Woodward recorded “Rags to Richmond: A Tribute to Ragtime and Starr Piano” for the Starr-Gennett Foundation. This album features compositions by May Aufderheide, a pioneering female ragtime composer and fellow Richmond resident. Additionally, in 2006, she released “An Evening With Carol Lou,” showcasing her solo piano arrangements of jazz and popular music standards, followed by a holiday collection, “Christmas With Carol Lou,” in 2008.

As a 5/1 Profile in Human Design, Woodward’s journey reflects a blend of exploration and foundational knowledge, allowing her to share her insights through her music. Her Incarnation Cross, the Left Angle Cross of Uncertainty (8/14 | 55/59), highlights her ability to navigate the complexities of life and artistry, embracing the unknown while contributing to the jazz landscape. Her defined channels, including 25-51 and 39-55, further emphasize her emotional depth and capacity for transformation, making her a unique voice in the jazz genre.

Following the passing of John Hedges in October 2012, Carol Lou Woodward gracefully retired in 2016, leaving behind a legacy that resonates with jazz enthusiasts and aspiring musicians alike. Her contributions to the genre continue to inspire, embodying the essence of a true Projector who has illuminated the world of jazz through her unique perspective and emotional depth.