Jazz piano players have been an integral part of the development and evolution of jazz music. These musicians have used their talents to improvise and create music that expresses the emotions of the moment. They have developed techniques and styles that have inspired generations of jazz musicians.
One of the most important jazz piano players was Duke Ellington, who not only played the piano but also composed many of the most famous jazz standards. His innovative use of harmony and rhythm helped to create the distinctive sound of jazz music.
Another important figure in jazz piano is Thelonious Monk, who was known for his unique, angular style and his unconventional approach to harmony. His music has had a lasting impact on jazz, and his compositions are still studied and performed by jazz musicians today.
Other famous jazz piano players include Bill Evans, who was known for his sensitive, introspective playing; Herbie Hancock, who has experimented with a wide range of styles over the course of his long career; and Art Tatum, who was known for his incredible technical ability and virtuosic playing.
The contributions of these and other jazz piano players have helped to shape the genre of jazz music and have inspired countless musicians around the world.
1. Art Tatum (1909 – 1956)
Art Tatum was an American jazz pianist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential jazz musicians of all time. Born on October 13, 1909, in Toledo, Ohio, Tatum began playing piano at a young age and quickly developed a reputation as a prodigious talent.
Tatum’s music is characterized by his technical mastery of the piano, his innovative use of harmony and rhythm, and his ability to improvise complex and virtuosic solos. He is particularly known for his interpretations of standards such as “Tea for Two” and “Body and Soul,” and has influenced countless jazz musicians with his style.
Over the course of his career, Tatum received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the world of jazz, including induction into the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame.
In addition to his music career, Tatum was also known for his love of technology and his innovative use of recording equipment. He was one of the first jazz musicians to experiment with multi-track recording and was known for his meticulous approach to studio work.
Overall, Art Tatum was a talented and influential musician whose technical mastery of the piano and innovative approach to jazz have made him a beloved figure in the world of jazz music.
2. Thelonious Monk (1917 – 1982)
Thelonious Monk was an American jazz pianist and composer who is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential musicians in the history of jazz. Born in North Carolina in 1917, Monk began playing the piano at a young age and went on to develop a unique and idiosyncratic style of playing that was characterized by angular melodies, dissonant harmonies, and unpredictable rhythms.
Monk first gained recognition in the jazz world in the 1940s, and he quickly became known for his distinctive sound and innovative approach to improvisation. He composed many jazz standards, including “Round Midnight,” “Straight, No Chaser,” and “Blue Monk.”
Despite his influence on the jazz world, Monk’s music was often underappreciated during his lifetime, and he struggled with mental illness and financial difficulties. However, his legacy has endured, and his contributions to the world of jazz continue to be celebrated by musicians and fans around the world.
Monk was known for his eccentric personality and his unconventional approach to music. He was known to dance and move around the piano while he played, and his compositions often featured unexpected twists and turns that challenged both the musicians and the audience. Today, Monk is remembered as one of the most original and creative voices in the history of jazz.
3. Oscar Peterson (1925 – 2007)
Oscar Peterson was a Canadian jazz pianist and composer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. Born on August 15, 1925, in Montreal, Peterson began playing the piano at an early age and quickly displayed a prodigious talent for the instrument. He went on to study at the Montreal Conservatory of Music, where he honed his skills as a classical pianist before turning his attention to jazz.
Peterson’s style was characterized by his technical virtuosity, harmonic sophistication, and rhythmic dynamism, and he was particularly renowned for his dazzling improvisations and brilliant arrangements. He collaborated with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ella Fitzgerald, and his recordings remain some of the most iconic and influential in the history of jazz.
Throughout his long and illustrious career, Peterson continued to innovate and push the boundaries of jazz, earning him a place in the pantheon of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. He was also a beloved teacher and mentor, and his influence on the development of the jazz piano tradition continues to be felt today.
Oscar Peterson’s legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and music lovers around the world, and his recordings and performances remain a testament to the enduring power and beauty of the jazz tradition.
4. Nat “King” Cole (1919 – 1965)
Nat “King” Cole was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential musicians of the 20th century. Born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, Cole began his music career as a jazz pianist and quickly gained a reputation for his smooth, soulful playing style.
Cole’s music is characterized by his distinctive voice, which is often described as silky and velvety. He is known for his interpretations of standards such as “Unforgettable,” “Mona Lisa,” and “Smile,” and has influenced generations of singers with his elegant and sophisticated style.
Over the course of his career, Cole received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the world of music, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
In addition to his music career, Cole was also a trailblazer for African American performers, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of black musicians.
Overall, Nat “King” Cole was a talented and influential musician whose smooth, soulful voice and elegant style have made him a beloved figure in the world of popular music.
5. Herbie Hancock (born 1940)
Herbie Hancock is an American jazz pianist, keyboardist, and composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of jazz and popular music. Born in Chicago in 1940, Hancock began playing piano at a young age and quickly developed a reputation as a prodigious talent. He moved to New York in the 1960s and quickly became part of the thriving jazz scene there.
Hancock’s music is characterized by his unique approach to improvisation, which incorporates elements of jazz, funk, and rock music. He is known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to incorporate a wide range of influences into his music. He has also been at the forefront of the use of electronic instruments in jazz, and his innovative use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments has helped to shape the sound of modern jazz.
Hancock has released numerous albums over the course of his career, including the seminal jazz-funk album “Head Hunters” and the Grammy-winning “River: The Joni Letters,” which pays tribute to the music of Joni Mitchell. He has collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, and Chick Corea, and his influence on the world of jazz and popular music is undeniable.
In addition to his work as a musician, Hancock is also an advocate for social and environmental causes. He is a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, and he has been involved in numerous initiatives aimed at promoting peace and sustainability around the world.
6. Chick Corea (born 1941)
Chick Corea was an American jazz pianist, keyboardist, and composer who is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential musicians of his generation. Born on June 12, 1941, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Corea began playing the piano at an early age and quickly displayed a prodigious talent for the instrument. He went on to study at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he honed his skills as a classical pianist before turning his attention to jazz.
Corea’s style was characterized by his technical virtuosity, rhythmic complexity, and harmonic sophistication, and he was particularly renowned for his groundbreaking work as a fusion musician, combining elements of jazz, rock, and Latin music in his compositions and performances. He collaborated with some of the biggest names in jazz and popular music, including Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Stanley Clarke, and his recordings remain some of the most influential and beloved in the history of jazz.
Throughout his long and illustrious career, Corea continued to innovate and push the boundaries of jazz, earning him a place in the pantheon of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. He was also a beloved teacher and mentor, and his influence on the development of jazz continues to be felt today.
Chick Corea’s legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and music lovers around the world, and his recordings and performances remain a testament to the enduring power and beauty of the jazz tradition.
7. Ahmad Jamal (born 1930)
Ahmad Jamal is an American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader who has been active in the music industry for over six decades. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1930, Jamal began playing piano at a young age and quickly developed a unique style that combined elements of jazz, classical music, and traditional African rhythms.
Jamal’s music is characterized by its fluidity and its ability to seamlessly blend different genres and musical traditions. He is known for his virtuosic playing, his dynamic use of space and silence, and his ability to improvise on the fly. He has released numerous albums over the course of his career, including the groundbreaking “At the Pershing: But Not for Me,” which spent over a year on the Billboard charts.
Jamal has influenced countless musicians throughout his career, and he has been cited as a major influence by artists such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Wynton Marsalis. He has won numerous awards and accolades over the years, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
Despite his many achievements, Jamal remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to tour and perform around the world, and he remains a vital force in the world of jazz and beyond.
8. Fats Waller (1904 – 1943)
Fats Waller was an American jazz pianist, organist, composer, singer, and entertainer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential musicians of the 20th century. Born on May 21, 1904, in New York City, Waller began playing piano at a young age and quickly developed a reputation as a virtuoso performer.
Waller’s music is characterized by his distinctive style, which combined elements of jazz, stride piano, and swing. He is known for his lively and upbeat performances, as well as his humorous and often irreverent lyrics.
Over the course of his career, Waller wrote and recorded hundreds of songs, including classics such as “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” and “The Joint Is Jumpin’.” He also appeared in several films and was a popular radio and television personality.
In addition to his music career, Waller was known for his larger-than-life personality and his love of food, drink, and partying. He died at the age of 39 from pneumonia, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved and influential musicians of his time.
Overall, Fats Waller was a talented and charismatic musician whose infectious energy and unique style have made him a beloved figure in the world of jazz and popular music.
9. McCoy Tyner (born 1938)
McCoy Tyner was an American jazz pianist and composer who is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential musicians of the post-bop era. Born on December 11, 1938, in Philadelphia, Tyner began playing the piano at an early age and quickly displayed a prodigious talent for the instrument. He went on to study at the Granoff School of Music in Philadelphia and later at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City.
Tyner’s style was characterized by his muscular and percussive playing, rhythmic intensity, and harmonic complexity. He was particularly renowned for his work as a member of the John Coltrane Quartet in the 1960s, where his bold and innovative playing helped to define the sound of jazz during that period. He also recorded numerous albums as a leader, which are considered to be some of the most important and influential recordings in the history of jazz.
Throughout his long and illustrious career, Tyner continued to innovate and push the boundaries of jazz, earning him a place in the pantheon of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. He was also a beloved teacher and mentor, and his influence on the development of jazz continues to be felt today.
McCoy Tyner’s legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and music lovers around the world, and his recordings and performances remain a testament to the enduring power and beauty of the jazz tradition.
10. George Shearing (1919 – 2011)
George Shearing was an English jazz pianist and composer who became one of the most popular and influential jazz musicians of his time. Born in London in 1919, Shearing was blind from birth, but he quickly developed a prodigious talent for music, mastering the piano at a young age.
Shearing first gained national recognition in the UK in the 1940s, and he soon became a regular performer on BBC radio broadcasts. In 1947, he moved to the United States, where he quickly became a fixture on the jazz scene.
Shearing’s music was characterized by its smooth, sophisticated style, which combined elements of swing, bebop, and classical music. He was also known for his innovative use of harmony and rhythm, which helped to establish him as a leading figure in the world of jazz.
Over the course of his career, Shearing released over 300 recordings, won numerous awards, and collaborated with some of the most talented musicians of his time. He continued to perform and record well into his eighties, and he remained a beloved figure in the world of jazz until his death in 2011.
11. Bill Evans (1920 – 1980)
Bill Evans was an American jazz pianist and composer who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative musicians in the history of jazz. Born on August 16, 1929, in Plainfield, New Jersey, Evans began playing the piano at an early age and quickly displayed a prodigious talent for the instrument. He went on to study at Southeastern Louisiana University and later at the Mannes School of Music in New York City.
Evans’ style was characterized by his delicate touch, introspective approach, and harmonic complexity. He was particularly renowned for his work as a member of the Miles Davis Quintet in the late 1950s, where his innovative playing helped to redefine the sound of jazz during that period. He also recorded numerous albums as a leader, which are considered to be some of the most important and influential recordings in the history of jazz.
Throughout his long and illustrious career, Evans continued to innovate and push the boundaries of jazz, earning him a place in the pantheon of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. He was also a beloved teacher and mentor, and his influence on the development of jazz continues to be felt today.
Bill Evans’ legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and music lovers around the world, and his recordings and performances remain a testament to the enduring power and beauty of the jazz tradition.
12. Keith Jarrett (born 1945)
Keith Jarrett is an American jazz pianist and composer who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative musicians of the 20th century. Born on May 8, 1945, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Jarrett began playing piano at a young age and quickly gained a reputation for his prodigious talent.
Jarrett’s music is characterized by his virtuosity, improvisational skills, and his ability to blend elements of jazz, classical music, and other genres into his compositions. He is known for his solo piano performances, as well as his work with his “Standards Trio” and other jazz ensembles.
Over the course of his career, Jarrett has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the world of music, including several Grammy Awards and induction into the DownBeat Hall of Fame. He has also released over 80 albums as a bandleader and solo artist.
In addition to his music career, Jarrett has also been a controversial figure at times, due to his outspoken opinions and occasional clashes with critics and fans.
Overall, Keith Jarrett is a legendary musician whose virtuosity, innovation, and willingness to push boundaries have made him one of the most important figures in the history of jazz and contemporary music.
13. Bud Powell (1924 – 1966)
Bud Powell was an American jazz pianist and composer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest bebop pianists of all time. Born in New York City in 1924, Powell began playing piano at a young age, and he quickly developed a prodigious talent for music. He became a regular fixture on the jazz scene in the late 1940s, playing with the likes of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.
Powell’s music was characterized by its innovative use of harmony, rhythm, and melody, and he was known for his lightning-fast runs and intricate improvisations. He was also a master of bebop’s characteristic “comping” style, in which the pianist provides a syncopated, rhythmic accompaniment to the other musicians in the band.
Despite his immense talent, Powell struggled with mental illness and addiction throughout his life. He was hospitalized numerous times and suffered a series of nervous breakdowns, which took a toll on his health and his music. Nevertheless, he continued to perform and record, and his music remains a beloved and influential part of the jazz canon.
Powell died in 1966 at the age of 42, leaving behind a legacy that has inspired countless musicians and fans of jazz.
14. Brad Mehldau (born 1970)
Brad Mehldau is an American jazz pianist and composer who has gained critical acclaim for his innovative approach to jazz improvisation and composition. Born in Jacksonville, Florida in 1970, Mehldau began playing piano at a young age and quickly developed a passion for jazz.
Mehldau’s music is known for its blend of traditional jazz and classical influences, as well as his inventive and often surprising harmonic and rhythmic ideas. He has released dozens of albums as a leader and has collaborated with a wide range of musicians across genres, from jazz icons like Joshua Redman and Wayne Shorter to pop and rock artists like Chris Thile and Radiohead.
In addition to his work as a performer and recording artist, Mehldau is also a respected composer and arranger. He has written music for jazz ensembles, classical orchestras, and even dance companies, and his compositions have been performed around the world.
Mehldau has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including multiple Grammy nominations and a MacArthur Fellowship in 2006. He continues to tour and record extensively, pushing the boundaries of jazz and inspiring new generations of musicians and fans.
15. Vince Guaraldi (1928 – 1976)
Vince Guaraldi was an American jazz pianist and composer who is best known for his work on the soundtrack for the beloved television special “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. Born on July 17, 1928, in San Francisco, California, Guaraldi began playing the piano at an early age and quickly established himself as a gifted and versatile musician. He went on to study music at San Francisco State College and later at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City.
Guaraldi’s style was characterized by his lyrical and melodic playing, as well as his inventive use of rhythm and harmony. He was particularly renowned for his work with the Vince Guaraldi Trio, which recorded numerous albums throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including the iconic “A Charlie Brown Christmas” soundtrack.
Throughout his career, Guaraldi continued to innovate and push the boundaries of jazz, earning him a place in the pantheon of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. He was also a beloved figure in the jazz community, known for his infectious personality and his ability to connect with audiences through his music.
Vince Guaraldi’s legacy continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world, and his music remains an important and enduring part of the jazz tradition.
16. Dave Brubeck (1920 – 2012)
Dave Brubeck was an American jazz pianist and composer who was one of the most influential figures in the development of jazz in the 20th century. Born on December 6, 1920, in Concord, California, Brubeck began playing the piano at an early age and quickly established himself as a gifted and innovative musician. He went on to study music at the College of the Pacific and later at Mills College, where he was exposed to a wide range of musical styles and influences.
Brubeck’s style was characterized by his unique use of irregular time signatures, such as 5/4 and 7/4, as well as his inventive harmonies and melodic improvisation. He was particularly renowned for his work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet, which recorded numerous albums throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including the iconic “Time Out” album, which featured the hit single “Take Five.”
Throughout his career, Brubeck continued to innovate and push the boundaries of jazz, earning him a place in the pantheon of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. He was also a beloved figure in the jazz community, known for his warmth, his generosity, and his ability to connect with audiences through his music.
Dave Brubeck’s legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and music lovers around the world, and his recordings and performances remain a testament to the enduring power and beauty of the jazz tradition.
17. Duke Ellington (1899 – 1974)
Duke Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and bandleader who is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential musicians in the history of jazz. Born on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C., Ellington began playing piano at a young age and quickly developed a passion for jazz music.
Over the course of his career, Ellington wrote and performed some of the most iconic and enduring compositions in the history of jazz, including “Take the A Train,” “Mood Indigo,” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).” He was also known for his groundbreaking arrangements and orchestrations, which blended elements of jazz, classical music, and other genres.
Ellington’s band, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, was one of the most popular and influential jazz ensembles of the 20th century. He was known for his innovative use of soloists, his incorporation of different instruments and musical styles, and his ability to create a unique and identifiable sound for his band.
In addition to his music career, Ellington was also a prominent civil rights activist and a cultural icon. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969.
Overall, Duke Ellington was a trailblazing musician whose influence on the world of jazz and popular music is immeasurable. His groundbreaking compositions, innovative arrangements, and distinctive sound have made him a beloved figure in the world of music and a cultural icon for generations to come.
18. Hank Jones (1918 – 2010)
Hank Jones was an American jazz pianist who was widely regarded as one of the most versatile and skilled musicians of his generation. Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi in 1918, Jones grew up in a musical family and began playing piano at a young age. He quickly developed a passion for jazz and soon began performing with some of the most famous musicians of his time.
Over the course of his long and illustrious career, Jones played with many of the greats of jazz, including Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane, among many others. He was known for his impeccable technique and virtuosity on the piano, as well as his ability to adapt to a wide range of musical styles and contexts.
Jones was also a prolific recording artist, releasing over 60 albums as a leader and hundreds more as a sideman. His music was characterized by a deep sense of swing, a playful sense of humor, and a remarkable ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.
Throughout his career, Jones received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to jazz, including the National Medal of Arts in 2008. He remained an active performer and recording artist until his death in 2010, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time.
19. Earl Hines (1903 – 1983)
Earl Hines was an American jazz pianist and bandleader who was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the development of jazz piano. Born on December 28, 1903, in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, Hines began playing the piano at an early age and quickly established himself as a prodigious talent. He went on to study music at the New England Conservatory of Music and later at the Julliard School in New York City.
Hines’ style was characterized by his innovative use of rhythm and harmony, as well as his virtuosic technique and powerful, percussive playing. He was particularly renowned for his work as a bandleader, leading his own group, the Earl Hines Orchestra, for many years.
Throughout his long and illustrious career, Hines continued to innovate and push the boundaries of jazz, earning him a place in the pantheon of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. He was also a beloved figure in the jazz community, known for his generosity, his warmth, and his ability to connect with audiences through his music.
Earl Hines’ legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and music lovers around the world, and his recordings and performances remain a testament to the enduring power and beauty of the jazz tradition.
20. Ray Charles (1930 – 2004)
Ray Charles was an American singer, pianist, and songwriter who was one of the most important and influential figures in the history of American popular music. Born on September 23, 1930, in Albany, Georgia, Charles began his career as a gospel singer before branching out into rhythm and blues, jazz, and other genres.
Charles’ music was characterized by his powerful vocals, his soulful piano playing, and his ability to blend elements of gospel, blues, jazz, and other genres into his compositions. He was also known for his groundbreaking use of electronic keyboards, which allowed him to create new and innovative sounds in his music.
Over the course of his career, Charles wrote and recorded some of the most iconic and enduring songs in the history of popular music, including “Georgia on My Mind,” “Hit the Road Jack,” and “What’d I Say.” He also received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to music, including 17 Grammy Awards.
In addition to his music career, Charles was also a prominent civil rights activist and a cultural icon. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and his music continues to be celebrated and influential today.
Overall, Ray Charles was a legendary musician whose powerful voice, innovative music, and contributions to American popular music have made him one of the most important and beloved figures in the history of music.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
