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George Shearing, Jazz Pianist and 'Lullaby of Birdland' Writer, Dead at 91
- Posted on Feb 14th 2011 3:40PM by Brian Voerding
Redferns / Getty Images
Shearing was born in London in 1919 and was blind from birth. He began playing the piano almost as soon as he could stand, and when he entered a school for the blind as a teen, he studied everything from Mozart to Glenn Miller. He began playing professionally at 16 at a local bar and just four years later his career took off when he met the pianist and music writer Leonard Feather.
By the early '40s, Shearing was one of the most popular performers in the country, at one point winning seven consecutive awards from the influential Melody Maker newspaper. After World War II, Shearing came to New York City to try and replicate his fortune abroad.
Shearing formed a quintet in 1949 with whom he would largely perform with well into the '70s, and with it developed what became known as "the Shearing Sound": an (at that time) unorthodox instrumentation that included guitar and vibraphone combined with Shearing's method of using block chords to build a complex, orchestral-leaning sound. This sound endeared Shearing -- already known as a player who favored contemplative Debussy-and Satie-inspired melodies over more common lightning bebop lines -- to a broad new audience searching for accessibility among the complex and experimental classical and jazz sounds of the time.
Shearing quickly found fame with a string of hits, including 'September in the Rain' and 'Lullaby of Birdland,' and collaborations with Nat "King" Cole, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson and John Pizzarelli, among others. In the '60s, at the height of his popularity, Shearing and his quintet often released multiple records in a single year. After launching an independent label that ultimately failed, he re-emerged in the late '70s through his new association with the Concord label and a series of collaborations with Mel Torme.
Shearing composed some 300 tunes over his career, and performed frequently as a classical recitalist with full orchestras. He continued recording and performing well into his 80s. His accolades included two Grammys, performances for Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, a lifetime achievement award from the British Academy of Composer and Songwriters and being knighted by the Order of the British Empire.
Shearing is survived by his wife, Eleanor, and daughter, Wendy Ann.
George Shearing Performs 'Lullaby of Birdland'
Download George Shearing Songs | Buy George Shearing Albums
Download George Shearing Songs | Buy George Shearing Albums
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bill collinger
ge0rge was a friend played in our home .wrote a song dedicated to my wife elenore.".this is no shit "ironic his 2nd wife same name. followed him and was always there where he performed
uncanny i could show up at the band stand and say "hello george
he would say hi Bill
pure genius "
John W
Shearing initially was forming his original group with a clarinet. A dispute with a company that had Buddy Defranco under contract said he couldn't perform/record with Shearing - enter the vibes……………..
February 15 2011 at 1:14 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Fay
If I'm not mistaken, I attended a concert at Carnegie Hall with Shearing and Billy Eckstine around 1950 or so.
February 15 2011 at 5:57 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Steve
Yes, Bill, Torme wrote "The Christmas Song".
February 15 2011 at 5:24 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Richard
I still own an autographed George Shearing LP. Saw this artist in several differnt cities in the US and Toronto, Canada. Like others of his genre, he will be missed!
February 15 2011 at 4:55 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
reece swofford
True Story,
Back in the late 60s, I drove George
from Seattle to Spokane for a concert there.
The car...a 911 Porsche. George opened the
show saying that he just rode in from Seattle
in this great 911 with his friend. He apologized
for being a few minutes late and asked me to
stand int he audience. Then he said: Next time
I'll be on time, I'll let my friend do the driving!
What a sense of humor, what a great guy. If you
listen to George playing his music, you will never
hear the keys striking....only the sound, such was
the Shering touch and the Shering sound. Will miss
you at the track George. Best with the harps
upstairs! YOUR FRIEND: Greg Swofford
Chris
I've always loved how he played "Somewhere Over The Rainbow". You brought much joy, George. RIP.
February 14 2011 at 11:50 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
David
My father and George were friends and musicians and also both blind. I had the great pleasure to have met George in the 60's at my parents house where George and my father
Entertained for a group of friends. I hold that memory fondly as my mother and father are both gone now as well.
Louiev111
1 reply to Louiev111's comment
Didn't Mel Torme write "The Christmas Song" (chestnuts roasting on an open fire, etc)
February 14 2011 at 10:50 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Sick of the vulture mentality
I had the distinct honor of attending an outdoor concert by George Shearing and Mel Torme at a winery venue in Saratoga, CA, back when I was in my mid-20s. I took my parents along as an anniversary present to them. I was mesmerized and in complete awe. I was very familiar with Torme and loved his wonderful scat stylings, but this was my first exposure to the understated and brilliant piano works of Mr. Shearing. Those boys spoke their own language up there - and words weren't necessary. The concert was probably close to two hours long, but I didn't want it to end, ever.
Mr. Shearing had a touch unlike any other - so clean, so deft - and you knew he was having such a blast!
Thirty-some years later, I can still recall the unparalleled skills of each gentleman blending together like the perfect martini. So, that said, thanks for some wonderful memories, Mr. Shearing; and Cheers!
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