Tatum, Art (1909-1956), ranks among the greatest piano soloists of jazz improvisation. Tatum’s delicate touch and swinging beat were perhaps unequaled among pianists of his time. His brilliant keyboard technique earned him the praise of many classical pianists.
Arthur Tatum was born on Oct. 13, 1909, in Toledo, Ohio. He was blind in one eye from birth and had only slight vision in the other eye. He arrived in New York City in 1932 as an accompanist for a singer. In the late 1930’s, he first became a favorite soloist in the small nightclubs along Manhattan’s West 52nd Street, a hotbed of jazz during the 1930’s and 1940’s. Tatum led a trio for many years. However, he was one of the rare jazz pianists who needed no support from a rhythm section. He died on Nov. 5, 1956.
