Arthur Tatum, Jr. (October 13, 1909 – November 5, 1956) was an American jazz pianist.

He was known for his virtuosic playing and creative improvisation. Tatum was widely recognized among his colleagues as the most gifted jazz pianist alive, some going so far as to say he was one of the greatest pianists of any musical genre. Critic Scott Yanow declares that "Tatum's recordings still have the ability to scare modern pianists."^*

Biography

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Tatum was born in Toledo, Ohio. From birth he suffered from cataracts which left him blind in one eye, and with only very limited vision in the other. He played piano from his youth, and played professionally in Ohio and especially the Cleveland area before moving to New York City in 1932.

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