United States
•
2 views
Art Tatum
Toledo, United States
Archival Overview
American jazz pianist renowned as the supreme virtuoso in the history of the instrument, whose lightning speed, complex reharmonizations, and stride mastery astonished classical and jazz peers.
Biographical Record
Legally blind from infancy, Art Tatum learned to play piano by ear and by memorizing Braille music in Toledo, Ohio. Possessing supernatural technique, perfect pitch, and lightning-fast finger velocity, Tatum transformed the piano into an entire roaring orchestra, leaving classical masters like Sergei Rachmaninoff, Vladimir Horowitz, and Arthur Rubinstein in utter disbelief.
Tatum revolutionized jazz harmony by inventing sophisticated chord substitutions, chromatic passing chords, and bitonal colors years ahead of bebop. His solo piano masterpieces, including 'Tea for Two' and 'Tiger Rag' (1933), remain summits of acoustic keyboard performance that continue to awe pianists across genres.
Key Life Milestones
Tea for Two & Tiger Rag
Recorded his historic solo piano debut in New York, instantly establishing himself as the greatest pianist in jazz history.
The Complete Norman Granz Solo Sessions
Recorded monumental marathon solo piano sessions for Norman Granz, producing 121 timeless masterworks.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
0 messages recordedLeave a Respectful Tribute
Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialLos Angeles, United States