Blind at 3, how ‘Artur’ became ‘The Jazz Virtuoso’.
Piano Grand Master CD Cover — Art Tatum | Source: Amazon | Used for illustrative and analytical purposes.
Prodigy, virtuoso, extraordinary, genius, pioneer… all these adjectives apply to Art Tatum, who passed away on November 5, 1956.
Art Tatum was a famous American jazz pianist, considered as a technical virtuoso.
“He was gone more than he was in school — he had a talent to play almost anything. He was a Boogie Woogie specialist. “ — Phineas Newborn about Art Tatum in an Interview.
Legally Blind & Musical Ear
Despite becoming blind at the age of 3, Art Tatum memorised intricate musical patterns. He lost sight in one eye at the age of three due to a severe cataract and later lost sight in his other eye due to glaucoma.
The diagnosis’s fatality did not diminish Art’s prowess.
His father (a guitarist) and his mother (a pianist) played a crucial role in his early exposure to music.
Tatum began performing at his father’s church before pursuing formal music education at the Columbus School for the Blind.
Art Tatum — Best Of | Source: YouTube | Used for illustrative and analytical purposes.
Reinventing Rhythm.
Art Tatum’s talent extended beyond his remarkable speed, technique, and improvisational abilities.
He pushed the boundaries of jazz through the innovative use of reharmonization, voicing, and bitonality.
He invented lines with notes cascading across each other, weaving in and out of tempo. He redefined what was possible on the piano.
“At just 12 years old, Tatum was already a ‘fully developed talent,’ frequently pulled out of school to perform special shows. “ — Phineas Newborn over an interview. His reputation grew by accompanying the singer Jon Hendricks at Toledo’s Waiters & Bellman’s Club*
*a popular local jazz venue known for hosting legends like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Joe Turner when they performed in Toledo.
The End of a Jazz Legend
In 1932, Tatum performed solo piano in club residencies, often accompanied by late-night sessions fueled by alcohol.
Although the drinking did not hinder his playing, it did damage his health.
Art Tatum passed away on November 5, 1956, due to the complications of uremia, associated with kidney failure.
Musical Legacy
Despite his departure 67 years ago, Art Tatum's legacy remains vibrant.
His account approximates 400K monthly listeners on Spotify, along with a significant follower base on YouTube Music and Deezer.
Some of his well-known recordings include “Tea for Two,” “Tiger Rag,” and “Body and Soul.”
Associated with Jazz Excellence, Art Tatum left an indelible mark on the genre.
Despite being diagnosed at an early age, he’s one of the greatest jazz pianists and improvisers.
This story testifies to where resilience can take us, leaving a long-lasting legacy for future generations.
When one sense is gone, the others are enhanced.
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