Erroll Garner(1923-1977)
- Music Department
- Actor
- Composer
Composer ("Misty") and pianist, the younger brother of
Linton S. Garner. He was a professional
pianist at age seven over KDKA radio in Pittsburgh. After his high
school education, he entertained in high schools and theatres in New
York and California, and was featured with the
Slam Stewart Trio. Later, he formed his own
trio, and appeared at the Paris Jazz Festival in 1948. He has made many
records. Erroll Garner was the first jazz artist presented by
impresario Sol Hurok, and he was among the
first to give concerts in the outdoor circuits, and the first musician
to present a concert-in-the-round in summer concert tents. His tours
included a number of European visits, concerts, television appearances,
and live venues including the Seattle World's Fair. Joining ASCAP in
1955, he collaborated musically with
Edward Heyman and
Johnny Burke. His other
popular-song and instrumental compositions include "Dreamy",
"Solitaire", "Blues Garni", "Trio", "Turquoise", "Other Voices", "No
More Shadows", "Passing Through", "Dreamstreet", "Theme from 'A New
Kind of Love'", "Paris Mist", "Play, Play, Play" (awarded the Prix du
Disque in Paris) and "Erroll's Bounce".