Quick Facts
- In full:
- Erroll Louis Garner
- Born:
- June 15, 1921, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
- Died:
- January 2, 1977, Los Angeles, California (aged 55)
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Erroll Garner, c. 1946
Jazz pianist Erroll Garner developed a both-hands technique that allowed him to play asymmetrical rhythmic and melodic configurations and contours with his right hand while maintaining an absolutely steady beat with his left.
Erroll Garner
American musician
Also known as: Erroll Louis Garner
Erroll Garner (born June 15, 1921, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.—died January 2, 1977, Los Angeles, California) was an American pianist and composer, one of the most virtuosic and popular pianists in jazz.
Garner was influenced by Fats Waller and was entirely self-taught. He substituted for Art Tatum in the latter’s trio in 1945 and subsequently formed his own three-piece group, achieving commercial success with Concert by the Sea (1958), one of the best-selling albums in jazz. Like Waller and Tatum, Garner was adept at performing both with a rhythm section and unaccompanied, often establishing great momentum with his sure sense of swing. His best-known composition is “Misty.”
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