erroll garner

Biography

Erroll Garner was born on June 15, 1921, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, into a musical family and began playing piano by ear at the age of three. Entirely self-taught and unable to read music, Garner was performing professionally by seven and appeared on local radio with the Candy Kids during his childhood. His early career flourished in Pittsburgh's vibrant jazz scene, playing with local bands and on riverboats before moving to New York in 1944, where he quickly established himself among the jazz elite.

Garner developed a highly distinctive piano style, marked by lush, inventive introductions, a swinging left hand, and a playful sense of improvisation. His playing was often compared to Art Tatum, Fats Waller, and even Claude Debussy, blending stride, swing, and impressionistic harmonies. He achieved international fame with his 1955 album 'Concert by the Sea,' which became one of the best-selling jazz albums ever, and his composition 'Misty,' now a jazz standard. Throughout his prolific career, Garner recorded for over 40 labels, composed nearly 200 works, and performed worldwide, appearing on major television shows and in prestigious concert halls.

Despite never learning to read music, Garner's influence on jazz piano is profound. He was celebrated for his exuberant performances and his ability to connect with audiences, leaving a legacy that endures through ongoing reissues and tributes. Garner passed away in Los Angeles on January 2, 1977, but his music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and listeners.

Fun Facts

• Erroll Garner never learned to read music and played entirely by ear throughout his career.
• He was known for his elaborate, often humorous piano introductions that could last several minutes before the main tune began.
• His composition 'Misty' became a jazz standard and was famously featured in the film 'Play Misty for Me' (1971).
• Garner was one of the most televised jazz artists of his era, appearing on shows like Ed Sullivan, Johnny Carson, and Steve Allen.

Associated Acts

• Erroll Garner All Stars
• Erroll Garner Trio - original
• Wardell Gray Quintet - piano

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Fats Waller - Stylistic influence; Garner was inspired by Waller's stride piano and showmanship. (General influence, not specific works) [1930s-1940s]
• Art Tatum - Stylistic influence; Garner substituted for Tatum in his trio in 1945. (Substituted in Tatum's trio) [1945]

Key Collaborators

• Charlie Parker - Recorded together in New York jazz sessions. (Session: 'Cool Blues') [1947]
• Slam Stewart - Recorded several important sessions together. (Paris sessions) [Late 1940s]
• Martha Glaser - Manager and business partner; co-founded Octave Music. (Career management, Octave label) [1952-1977]

Artists Influenced

• Ahmad Jamal - Cited Garner as a major influence on his approach to jazz piano. (General stylistic influence) [1950s onward]
• Keith Jarrett - Inspired by Garner's improvisational style and rhythmic freedom. (General stylistic influence) [1960s onward]
• Billy Taylor - Admired and was influenced by Garner's unique approach to jazz piano. (General stylistic influence) [1950s onward]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Misty - Remastered 2020 (Gemini (Octave Remastered Series))
2. I'm In The Mood For Love (The Complete Savoy Master Takes)
3. Misty (The Original Misty)
4. Misty (Plays Misty)
5. Laura (The Complete Savoy Master Takes)
6. I Only Have Eyes For You (The Complete Savoy Master Takes)
7. Misty (Ready Take One)
8. Laura (Long Ago And Far Away)
9. Penthouse Serenade (When We're Alone) (The Complete Savoy Master Takes)
10. Everything Happens To Me (The Complete Savoy Master Takes)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

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