Biography
Art Tatum, born Arthur Tatum, Jr. on October 13, 1909, in Toledo, Ohio, was a prodigious jazz pianist whose technical virtuosity and harmonic innovation made him a towering figure in 20th-century music. Visually impaired from childhood, Tatum began his musical journey as a violinist before turning to the piano at age thirteen, largely teaching himself and displaying an early aptitude that quickly set him apart. He received some formal training at the Toledo School of Music, but his interests gravitated toward jazz, particularly inspired by Fats Waller. By his late teens, Tatum was performing on local radio and soon had his own show, establishing a reputation for his dazzling technique and improvisational prowess.
In 1932, Tatum moved to New York City, where he rapidly gained acclaim through his solo performances and legendary 'cutting contests' with other top pianists, never losing a single one. His 1933 recording of 'Tiger Rag' stunned the jazz world with its breakneck tempo and complex runs. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Tatum recorded extensively and toured widely, forming a celebrated trio in 1943 with guitarist Tiny Grimes and bassist Slam Stewart. His improvisational style was marked by intricate reharmonizations, rapid-fire runs, and a stride-influenced left hand, influencing the harmonic language of modern jazz. Tatum continued to record prolifically, especially after signing with Norman Granz in the 1950s, until his death in Los Angeles on November 5, 1956. His legacy endures as one of the most influential and technically gifted pianists in jazz history.
Fun Facts
- Despite being nearly blind, Tatum could learn complex pieces by ear after hearing them just once.
- He was renowned for never losing a 'cutting contest'—head-to-head piano duels popular in jazz circles.
- Tatum's solo recording sessions for Norman Granz in 1953 produced 69 tracks in just two days, with almost all completed in a single take.
- He often incorporated classical music elements, including Chopin and Bach, into his jazz improvisations.
Associated Acts
- Art Tatum Trio - original
- The Art Tatum/Buddy DeFranco Quartet - piano
- Barney Bigard Sextet
- Art Tatum’s All Stars - piano
- Art Tatum and His Band
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Fats Waller - Major stylistic influence; Tatum admired Waller's stride piano style and incorporated it into his own playing. (Inspired Tatum's early solo recordings and improvisational approach.) [1920s–1930s]
- Toledo School of Music (teacher unnamed) - Provided formal training and encouraged Tatum toward a classical career. (Classical repertoire studied in youth.) [1920s]
Key Collaborators
- Tiny Grimes - Guitarist in Tatum's celebrated trio. (Art Tatum Trio recordings.) [1943–mid 1940s]
- Slam Stewart - Bassist in Tatum's trio. (Art Tatum Trio recordings.) [1943–mid 1940s]
- Norman Granz - Producer who recorded Tatum extensively in solo and small group formats. (Solo sessions and group recordings with Benny Carter, Buddy DeFranco, Roy Eldridge, Lionel Hampton, Ben Webster, Harry 'Sweets' Edison.) [1953–1956]
Artists Influenced
- Bud Powell - Adopted Tatum's harmonic innovations and technical approach. (Powell's solo piano recordings.) [1940s–1950s]
- Oscar Peterson - Cited Tatum as his primary influence and incorporated Tatum's runs and voicings. (Oscar Peterson's solo and trio recordings.) [1940s–2000s]
- Lennie Tristano - Influenced by Tatum's improvisational techniques and harmonic complexity. (Tristano's solo and group works.) [1940s–1970s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Piano Starts Here | 1933 | Album |
| The Definitive Art Tatum | 2002-01-01 | Album |
| Late Night Art Tatum | 2024-02-03 | Album |
| Art Tatum - The Standard Transcriptions | 2011-04-01 | Album |
| The Art Tatum Solo Masterpieces, Vol. 7 | 1992-01-01 | Album |
| Classic Early Solos (1934-1937) | 1991-01-01 | Album |
| The Art Tatum Solo Masterpieces, Vol. 1 [Original Jazz Classics Remasters] | 2013-01-01 | Album |
| The Art Tatum Solo Masterpieces, Vol. 1 [Original Jazz Classics Remasters] | 2013-01-01 | Album |
| In Private | 2010-09-02 | Album |
| Tatum, Art: Fine And Dandy (1937-1944) | 2004-09-30 | Album |
| 20th Century Piano Genius | 1996-01-01 | Album |
| Art Tatum: Finest Hour | 2000-01-01 | Album |
| The Art Tatum Solo Masterpieces, Volume 1 | 1992-01-01 | Album |
| Piano Starts Here: Live at The Shrine Zenph Re-performance | 2008-05-09 | Album |
| The Art Tatum Solo Masterpieces, Vol. 6 | 1992-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Tea for Two (Piano Starts Here)
- Blue Skies
- Blue Skies (The Definitive Art Tatum)
- I Cover The Waterfront
- Night And Day
- Smoke Gets In Your Eyes (The Art Tatum Solo Masterpieces, Vol. 7)
- Stormy Weather (Classic Early Solos (1934-1937))
- My One and Only Love - Remastered (When I Fall in Love (Remastered))
- Tiger Rag (Piano Starts Here)
- Sophisticated Lady (Piano Starts Here)
External Links
Tags: #american, #jazz, #pianist
References
Heard on WWOZ
Art Tatum has been played 8 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 4, 2026 | 07:23 | Body And Soulfrom The Genius Of Art Tatum | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Nov 30, 2025 | 07:27 | Memories Of Youfrom The Genius Of Art Tatum | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Nov 24, 2025 | 02:53 | Humoresque | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis | |
| Nov 16, 2025 | 06:52 | Gone With The Windfrom Group Masterpieces | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Nov 10, 2025 | 01:33 | Humoresque | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis | |
| Nov 2, 2025 | 07:07 | The Very Thought Of Youfrom Solo Masterpieces Volume 2 | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Sep 28, 2025 | 06:16 | Judyfrom The Genius Of Art Tatum | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Sep 21, 2025 | 06:53 | Gone With The Windfrom Group Masterpieces | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman |