Art Tatum

Art Tatum, Vogue Room 1948 (Gottlieb)

52nd Street, New York, by Gottlieb, 1948

Art Tatum and Phil Moore, Downbeat, New York, N.Y., between 1946 and 1948 (William P. Gottlieb)

Art Tatum, ca. May 1946 (William P. Gottlieb 08311)

Norman Granz, ca. Nov. 1947

Art Tatum (October 13, 1909 – November 5, 1956) was an American jazz pianist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time. Born in Toledo, Ohio, Tatum's virtuosity and creativity with the piano set new standards for jazz piano performance and had a profound influence on future generations of jazz musicians.

Early Life

Art Tatum was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Arthur Tatum, Sr. and Mildred Hoskins. Despite being visually impaired from birth due to cataracts, which left him nearly blind in one eye and with very limited vision in the other, Tatum showed early musical talent, particularly for the piano. He was largely self-taught, learning to play by ear, which contributed to his unique style. Tatum drew inspiration from the radio and from piano rolls, which were popular in the early 20th century.

Career

Tatum's career began in the early 1930s, playing in local clubs in Toledo before moving to New York City where he gained significant attention. His ability to play stride piano with extraordinary speed and complexity, along with his innovative improvisations, set him apart from his contemporaries. Tatum's style combined elements of ragtime, stride piano, and swing, and he was known for his ability to improvise in a way that made even familiar tunes sound fresh and exciting.

Tatum recorded extensively throughout the 1930s and 1940s for various labels, including Decca and Capitol. His recordings from this period are considered classics in the jazz genre. Tatum's approach to the piano was highly influential, inspiring a generation of jazz musicians, including Oscar Peterson, Thelonious Monk, and Bill Evans.

Technique and Legacy

Art Tatum's technique was characterized by his incredible speed, precision, and harmonic complexity. He had an unparalleled ability to play rapid runs and intricate melodies, often incorporating stride piano techniques and complex chord progressions. Tatum's use of the entire keyboard, his innovative harmonies, and his ability to improvise have led many to consider him a genius of the jazz piano.

Tatum's influence extends beyond jazz to classical musicians and music theorists, who have studied his technique and improvisational skills. Despite his visual impairment, Tatum's extraordinary talent and dedication to his craft have made him a legendary figure in the history of jazz.

Tatum's legacy is preserved through numerous recordings, awards, and accolades posthumously awarded to him. He was inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame and has been the subject of several documentaries and books that celebrate his life and work.

Death

Art Tatum died on November 5, 1956, in Los Angeles, California, from complications related to uremia (kidney failure). His death marked the loss of one of the most gifted pianists in the history of jazz music. Tatum's influence on jazz and piano music continues to be felt, and his recordings remain a testament to his extraordinary talent and creativity.

Discography

While a comprehensive list of Art Tatum's recordings would be extensive, some of his most celebrated albums include:

• Art Tatum: Piano Starts Here
• The Genius of Art Tatum
• Art Tatum Solo Masterpieces

See Also

• Jazz piano
• Stride piano
• Swing (genre)
• History of jazz