Sir George Shearing, OBE, was a distinguished British jazz pianist who achieved international fame for his sophisticated performances and innovative style. Born on August 13, 1919, in London, Shearing was blind from birth, yet that did not prevent him from cultivating an illustrious career in music. He began playing piano at a young age and displayed a natural talent that soon propelled him to the forefront of the London jazz scene. In 1947, he moved to the United States, where his career flourished even further.

Shearing is perhaps best known for his creation of the "Shearing sound," a unique blend of swing, bop, and complex harmonics characterized by the use of a vibraphone and guitar alongside the piano in his quintet. His signature tune, "Lullaby of Birdland," written for the famous New York City jazz club, has become a jazz standard. Throughout his career, Shearing recorded countless albums and received numerous accolades, including being honored with the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2007 for his contribution to music. He continued performing into his later years, capturing his graceful and emotive live performances in recordings such as "Why Did I Choose You?" and "Estate," until his passing on February 14, 2011. His legacy endures through an extensive discography that continues to charm and inspire listeners and musicians alike.

Genres

Cool Jazz

Jazz Piano

Related Artists

Bill Evans

Oscar Peterson

Art Tatum

Dave Brubeck

Erroll Garner

Ahmad Jamal

Nat King Cole

Ella Fitzgerald

Stan Getz

Duke Ellington

Herbie Hancock

Louis Armstrong

Latest Release

Short Cuts (from Thank You, Bird!)

George Shearing

Album - 29 Tracks - Released July 12, 2024