Winifred Atwell was a Trinidadian pianist who achieved remarkable success in Britain and Australia during the 1950s and early 1960s. Born in Tunapuna, Trinidad, on February 27, 1914, Atwell was trained classically in piano, but it was her infectious boogie-woogie and ragtime style that brought her international fame. She moved to London in the late 1940s where she broke into the music scene with her captivating performances and recordings.

Winifred Atwell became the first black person to have a number-one hit in the UK Singles Chart, and she remained one of the few female instrumentalists to enjoy such popularity. Her trademark was her "other piano", a battered instrument which she used for her honky-tonk renditions, while preserving her second piano for classical pieces. Notable hits like "Black and White Rag" and "The Poor People of Paris" echoed the duality of her performance style - one foot in the classical world, the other in the lively realm of popular music. Atwell's ability to bridge these worlds with charm and virtuosity endeared her to an international audience, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of music.

Genres

Boogie-woogie

Honky-tonk Piano

Old West

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Latest Release

Ragtime Lady

Winifred Atwell

Album - 11 Tracks - Released July 1, 2022