Herman Chittison

Herman Chittison (1908–1967) was an American jazz pianist known for his elegant, highly polished swing style and for being an early admirer of Art Tatum’s approach to the instrument. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he came up in the East Coast jazz scene and built a reputation as a sophisticated accompanist as well as a confident solo player.

Through the 1930s and ’40s he worked with major bandleaders and singers—most notably serving as the pianist for Louis Armstrong for a period—before spending significant time performing and recording in Europe. Chittison’s recordings showcase a fluid touch, rich harmonies, and a knack for making standards sound both graceful and rhythmically alive, which is why collections like *Chittison’s Touch* and career-spanning sets such as *Complete Jazz Series 1933–1941* remain a good entry point into his work.