Dorothy Donegan was an American jazz pianist known for her flamboyant performance style and versatility in playing classical music, jazz, and blues. Born on April 6, 1922, in Chicago, Illinois, Donegan began studying piano at the age of six and later attended the Chicago Conservatory of Music. She gained early recognition playing in clubs in Chicago and made her New York debut at Carnegie Hall with Art Tatum, her principal influence, who also inspired her complex and highly energetic playing style. Donegan's career took off in the 1940s, and her performances were characterized by a blend of technical mastery and showmanship, often incorporating humorous musings and theatrical gestures.

Throughout her career, Donegan never confined herself to a single genre, seamlessly moving between classical compositions and jazz standards, evident in recordings such as "The Man I Love" and albums like "Body & Soul - Dorothy Donegan in Concert" and "Live In Copenhagen 1980." Despite facing sexism and racism in the music industry, she became celebrated for her contributions to jazz and beyond, known for her exuberant personality and virtuosic skill. Although she did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of her contemporaries, Dorothy Donegan has been recognized as a trailblazer and an extraordinary talent in the history of American music. She passed away on May 19, 1998, but her legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.

Genres

Boogie-woogie

Jazz Piano

Stride

Latest Release

The Man I Love (Live On The Ed Sullivan Show, March 14, 1965)

Dorothy Donegan

Single - Released March 26, 2021