In the captivating world of music, the piano has reigned as one of the most versatile and revered instruments, captivating audiences across generations and genres. Throughout the course of its illustrious history, a plethora of exceptionally talented pianists have graced the world stage, leaving an indelible mark on the art of piano performance. From classical virtuosos who mastered the works of Bach and Beethoven to contemporary maestros who effortlessly blended jazz, blues, and rock into their repertoire, the piano has been in the hands of remarkable players who pushed the boundaries of creativity and technical brilliance. In this article, we embark on an enthralling journey through the annals of music history, as we delve into the lives and legacies of the “Top 15 Best Piano Players of All Time.” Celebrating their extraordinary contributions, we pay tribute to these extraordinary artists whose artistry continues to inspire and resonate with music enthusiasts around the globe.
1. Elton John
Elton John is undoubtedly one of the greatest piano players of all time. His iconic performances and songs make him a legend in the music world. Let's take a look at his remarkable career and achievements.
Name: Elton John
Birth Date: March 25, 1947
Nationality: British
Genre: Pop, Rock
Albums Sold: Over 300 million copies worldwide
Elton John stands out from other artists with his unique style, which includes flamboyant costumes and captivating stage presence. He blends a variety of genres such as pop and rock, creating iconic hits like "Rocket Man" and "Your Song".
Elton John has gained multiple awards and accolades for his work in the music industry. He has won five Grammys, an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and a Kennedy Center Honor. In '94, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Elton John's philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact to society. Through his Elton John AIDS Foundation, he's raised millions of dollars to support HIV/AIDS research and help those affected by the disease.
Billboard magazine ranks Elton John at number two on their list of the top philanthropic musicians of all time.
Elton John's genius as a piano player is undeniable, but it's his passion and dedication to his craft that really sets him apart. His music continues to touch people of all ages, making him a true icon in the music industry.
Fun Fact: Billboard magazine ranks Elton John as the fifth most successful artist of all time in terms of album sales.
2. Billy Joel
Legendary pianist, Billy Joel, is famous for his diverse music. He's been around for decades, and has made a name for himself across many genres such as rock, pop, and classical. Let's find out more about this incredible artist!
Birth Name: William Martin Joel
Birth Date: May 9, 1949
Nationality: American
Genres: Rock, pop, classical
Notable Works: Piano Man (1973), Just the Way You Are (1977), Uptown Girl (1983)
Awards & Accolades:
- – Won 6 Grammy Awards
- – Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999
- – Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992
Stevie Wonder may not be able to see, but his piano skills are so great, he might as well use the keys as a braille cheat sheet!
3. Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder – a legendary pianist! He's one of the greatest of all time. His music, performances and compositions have made a lasting impact. Let's take a look at his incredible career.
Here's a summary of Stevie Wonder's achievements:
| Pianist | Genre(s) | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Stevie Wonder | R&B, soul, pop, funk | 25 Grammy Awards |
It's not just his musical skills and awards that make Stevie Wonder stand out. He can play various instruments. He adds piano melodies to his compositions, showing off his talent.
Pro Tip: Take a leaf out of Stevie Wonder's book and try different styles to improve your skills. Jerry Lee Lewis is an incredible piano player. He sets the ivories alight with his finger-licking skills!
4. Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry Lee Lewis, who is known as "The Killer," is legendary for his piano playing. He has enthralled audiences with a mix of rock and roll, blues and country for decades.
Birthdate: September 29, 1935.
Birthplace: Ferriday, Louisiana.
Musical Style: Rock and Roll.
Instrument: Piano.
Notable Achievements: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
He was also gifted at playing the piano by ear. This enabled him to create amazing music that captivated listeners everywhere.
Don't miss out on seeing Jerry Lee Lewis, a musical legend, perform. His piano playing is full of energy and will take you on a magical journey. Ray Charles had the skill to even play in the dark!
5. Ray Charles
Ray Charles is ranked 5th in the list of best piano players of all time. Let's explore what makes him special!
Birth Name: Ray Charles Robinson
Date of Birth: September 23, 1930
Nationality: American
Main Genre: R&B, soul, jazz, blues, gospel
Notable Works: "What'd I Say," "I Can't Stop Loving You," "Georgia on My Mind"
Ray Charles was an incredible pianist with a unique voice. He blended different genres and created a totally new style. His works like "What'd I Say," "I Can't Stop Loving You," and "Georgia on My Mind" are timeless classics.
Pro Tip: To fully appreciate Ray Charles' genius, listen to his live performances. He had the ability to express his soulful music through the piano. Little Richard was known for his energetic performances, but his piano skills were extraordinary.
6. Little Richard
Little Richard, the legendary pianist, was known for his enthusiastic shows and groundbreaking contributions to rock and roll. He had a unique voice, a flamboyant stage presence, and catchy piano melodies, revolutionizing the genre.
The following table details Little Richard:
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Richard Wayne Penniman |
| Birth Date | December 5, 1932 |
| Birth Place | Macon, Georgia |
| Main Instrument | Piano |
Little Richard was a gifted singer-songwriter, writing many of his own hits, like "Tutti Frutti", "Long Tall Sally", and "Good Golly Miss Molly". His music made a great impact on rock and roll in the 1950s.
An interesting fact about Little Richard is he initially wanted to pursue gospel music. His style of blending gospel-inspired vocals and a vibrant piano sound gave him a unique sound that set him apart.
With his extraordinary performances and signature musical style, Little Richard has left a lasting legacy as one of the greatest piano players of all time. Oscar Peterson was so good at playing the piano that even his sheet music was jealous!
7. Oscar Peterson
Oscar Peterson, a true master of the ivory keys, is renowned as one of the greatest piano players ever. His unequalled skill and virtuosity have enthralled spectators for decades. Here's a peek into the genius of Oscar Peterson:
| Birthdate: | August 15, 1925 |
| Nationality: | Canadian |
| Main Genres: | Jazz, Swing |
| Collaborations: | Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie |
His exceptional flexibility and capacity to cross genres effortlessly set him apart from his peers. Not only was he a genius in jazz and swing, he also incorporated elements of blues and classical music in his works.
One interesting detail about Oscar Peterson is that he was taught to play the trumpet when he was young, but due to tuberculosis complications, he switched to the piano at age five. This early introduction to various instruments certainly added to his unique style and creativity.
Throughout his career, Peterson released over 200 albums and won many awards, including 8 Grammys. His influence on jazz music is immense, and can still be felt today in numerous current pianists' performances.
8. Fats Domino
Fats Domino – a phenomenal piano player! His talent and contributions left a lasting mark on the music industry.
Name: Fats Domino; Genre: Rhythm and Blues; Nationality: American; Years Active: 1949 – present.
Domino's playing style was a blend of blues, boogie-woogie, and early rock 'n' roll. His soulful voice made his performances even better.
He was one of the first African-American musicians to become widely known in the 1950s. Fats Domino sold an incredible 65 million records – a real testament to his musicality and influence.
9. Liberace
Liberace was a remarkable pianist, famed for his dynamic performances and luxurious lifestyle. His artistry and showmanship made him one of the most renowned pianists ever.
| Name | Liberace |
| Birth Year | 1919 |
| Nationality | American |
| Genre(s) | Classical, Pop |
| Notable Achievements |
|
His idiosyncratic style, combining classical and contemporary music, wowed crowds worldwide. Liberace's alluring personality and ostentatious attire added a special touch to his sets. His piano skills were extraordinary, skillfully transitioning between intricate classical pieces and catchy tunes.
To get the full Liberace experience, it is suggested to listen to his music and watch videos of his concerts. This enables one to experience first-hand the vigor and magnetism he brought to the stage. Furthermore, delving into his voluminous discography offers a greater appreciation for the diverse genres he explored during his career.
For aspiring pianists, studying Liberace's techniques can be highly beneficial. His capability to infuse emotion into each note and build a connection with the audience is something to aspire to. Applying Liberace's showmanship can bolster one's stage presence and elevate performances.
Nat King Cole played the piano with such ease, it's like the keys were applauding him!
10. Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole, a legendary pianist and vocalist, is known as the 10th greatest piano player of all time. His masterful playing and mellifluous baritone voice made him an icon in the music industry.
He achieved a lot: 28 awards, 50 million albums sold and unforgettable hits like "Unforgettable" and "L-O-V-E".
Nat King Cole was renowned for his captivating performances. His style blended jazz, pop, and rhythm & blues seamlessly, setting him apart from his peers.
If you want to emulate his brilliance, here are some tips:
- Practice precise phrasing and melodic interpretation to capture his expressive piano techniques.
- Explore jazz and popular music to expand your repertoire and versatility.
- Incorporate improvisation to make your performances more spontaneous and creative.
By following these suggestions and immersing yourself in Nat King Cole's music, you will unlock new dimensions in your piano playing. Remember that becoming proficient at any craft takes dedication and passion! So, delve into Nat King Cole's discography, observe his performances closely, and allow his timeless music to ignite your artistic growth.
Chick Corea tickles the ivories so effortlessly, he might as well be playing a baby grand with feather dusters.
11. Chick Corea
Chick Corea – a famed pianist – has made great strides in the music world. His creativity has made him stand out from other musicians.
Let's get to know more about Mr. Corea:
- Birth Name: Armando Anthony Corea
- Birth Date: June 12, 1941
- Nationality: American
- Genre: Jazz, jazz fusion, Latin jazz
- Instruments: Piano, keyboards
- Awards: 23 Grammy Awards
He's also worked with famous musicians like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. He was also critical in popularizing jazz fusion in the 70s.
Chick Corea was discouraged by his father when he first pursued music. But he kept going and eventually became one of the most respected piano players ever.
To this day, we still appreciate Chick Corea's musical gifts. Herbie Hancock is so amazing on the piano, he can even make your funny bone groovin'!
12. Herbie Hancock
Herbie Hancock is a true legend in the jazz world. He's ranked 12th as one of the best piano players ever. His talent and style are unparalleled. He left an everlasting mark on music history.
To fully appreciate his greatness, let's take a look at his awards, albums, and collaborations. Some of his notable works include Maiden Voyage, Head Hunters, and Thrust. He won the Grammy for Album of the Year and Best Jazz Fusion Performance. He was even inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame because of his work with Miles Davis' band.
Hancock's genius shines through his ability to mix genres like jazz, funk, and fusion. Plus, his collaborations with musical legends like Miles Davis and Wayne Shorter show off his immense versatility.
The only way to understand Herbie Hancock's impact is to experience his art for yourself. Listen to his albums and go to a live show. Let his mesmerizing piano skills take you to musical utopia. Countless fans have been enamored with his talent. Now it's your turn to explore the brilliance of jazz.
13. Art Tatum
Art Tatum was a genius American pianist. He changed jazz music with his amazing technique and virtuosity. He's one of the most influential and respected piano players ever, even though he lost his eyesight when he was young.
Let's show off his incredible accomplishments with this table:
| Art Tatum |
|---|
| Birth: October 13, 1909 |
| Nationality: American |
| Genre: Jazz |
| Known for: Exceptional Technique and Virtuosity |
| Influences: Fats Waller, Earl Hines, and James P. Johnson |
Plus, he had a special improvisational skill that made him stand out. His playing style brought together lightning speed, complex harmonies, and amazing creativity. Tatum's performances usually left the audience mesmerized.
Pro Tip:
To really appreciate Art Tatum, listen to his recordings with close attention to his technical accuracy and fluency. Let his music enchant you.
Move over Mozart! Wynton Kelly is here and he's taking those keys by storm!
14. Wynton Kelly
Wynton Kelly, born on December 2, 1931, was an American jazz pianist. He passed away on April 12, 1971, leaving behind an indelible mark in the jazz music world.
His unique style blended bebop and blues, and his solos were remarkable in their balance of technical prowess and emotional expression. Despite being overshadowed by some of his contemporaries, like Bill Evans and Art Tatum, Kelly's playing was highly acclaimed.
The clearest evidence of Kelly's creative genius can be heard in his recordings with the Miles Davis Quintet during the mid-1950s. To experience his magic in your own playing, focus on developing a strong sense of rhythm, dynamics, and harmonic voicings.
Wynton Kelly is regarded as one of the greatest piano players in history. His approach continues to inspire generations of musicians who strive to capture his spirit in their performances.
15. Dave Brubeck
Dave Brubeck is our 15th pianist on the prestigious list. He's renowned for his amazing jazz contributions. Let's dig deeper into his talent and success.
Brubeck had a special way of playing piano. He mixed classical and jazz to form a one-of-a-kind sound. And, he experimented with complex time signatures like 5/4 and 9/8 that made him stand out from other musicians.
Let's take a minute to appreciate his incredible journey. Here are some key aspects of his career:
- Genre: Jazz
- Signature Style: Fusion of classical and jazz music
- Notable Works: "Take Five," "Blue Rondo à la Turk," "Unsquare Dance"
- Accomplishments: Many awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Collaborations: Worked with stars like Paul Desmond and Joe Morello
Pro Tip: To really enjoy Dave's genius, listen to his intricate melodies in unconventional time signatures – it'll be a musical treat!
Samuel Moore 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.
