Art Tatum – pianist (b. October 13, 1909 – d. November 5, 1956)

was an American jazz pianist whose playing combined an exceptional command of the keyboard with an individual approach to harmony, rhythm, and improvisation. His career developed largely during the swing era, yet his recordings were studied by musicians from later generations, including pianists whose work became associated with bebop and modern jazz. Tatum recorded commercially from the early 1930s until shortly before his death, and his surviving recordings include studio sessions, radio broadcasts, concert performances, informal recordings, and privately made material. Art Tatum was born on October 13, 1909, in Toledo, Ohio. His eyesight was seriously impaired during childhood, probably as a result of cataracts. He attended the Jefferson School in Toledo for several years and later studied at the school for the blind in Columbus. He also attended the Toledo School of Music. His musical education included both jazz and classical material. He became familiar with the playing of pianists such as Earl Hines and James P. Johnson, while also studying the harmonic language of composers including Claude Debussy and Maurice... Read