Art Tatum

About

Virtuoso remembered as one of history's greatest jazz pianists. He was nearly blind from birth.

Before Fame

He was a child prodigy who began playing church hymns by ear when he was three. He also had perfect pitch.

Trivia

His career was elevated when vocalist Adelaide Hall hired him as one of her stage pianists in 1931.

Family Life

His mother, Mildred Hoskins, was a pianist, and his father, Arthur Tatum Sr., played the guitar.

Associated With

He was strongly inspired by Fats Waller.