George Shearing
United Kingdom, 1937–2011
English pianist (1919-2011), blind from birth, who moved to New York in 1947 and built the locked-hands quintet sound that dominated 1950s jazz radio. He wrote 'Lullaby of Birdland' in ten minutes and lived off it for sixty years.
MusicRoots documents 1 artist who influenced George Shearing and 1 artist George Shearing influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.
Who influenced George Shearing?
- Fats Waller — Shearing built his early approach on Waller and watched him play at first hand in the London after-hours clubs.
Which artists did George Shearing influence?
- Herbie Hancock — The other one. Shearing's block chords are the first harmony Hancock took apart by ear.