Jazz Musician. Born in Toledo, Ohio and despite being blind in one eye, he became one of the greatest jazz piano players whom ever lived. He began his career as a classical concert pianist but soon turned his interest to jazz making his first recording "Tiger Rag" in 1933. While performing in New York, he established his reputation as a top jazz pianist. In the late 1930s, he played in Cleveland, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and in England. In the 1940s, he formed an extremely popular trio with bassist Slam Stewart and guitarist Tiny Grimes and spent the next decade touring North America. In the 1950s, until his death, he recorded many solo tracks for Capitol Records producer Norman Granz which combined dazzling technique and still remain as jazz inspirational classics. Tatum was posthumously honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1989. He was originally buried in Angelus Rosedale Cemetery, California, and his remains were re-interred in the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California.
Jazz Musician. Born in Toledo, Ohio and despite being blind in one eye, he became one of the greatest jazz piano players whom ever lived. He began his career as a classical concert pianist but soon turned his interest to jazz making his first recording "Tiger Rag" in 1933. While performing in New York, he established his reputation as a top jazz pianist. In the late 1930s, he played in Cleveland, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and in England. In the 1940s, he formed an extremely popular trio with bassist Slam Stewart and guitarist Tiny Grimes and spent the next decade touring North America. In the 1950s, until his death, he recorded many solo tracks for Capitol Records producer Norman Granz which combined dazzling technique and still remain as jazz inspirational classics. Tatum was posthumously honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1989. He was originally buried in Angelus Rosedale Cemetery, California, and his remains were re-interred in the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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