Earl Hines
This date is the birthday of Earl "Fatha" Hines, a Black jazz pianist who was born in 1903.
Earl Hines was born in Duquesne, Pennsylvania. While attending high school, he played piano in Pittsburgh's nightclubs. In 1922, he went to Chicago and, six years later, organized his first group. During the 1930s, network radio audiences heard him on his nightly broadcast. Many famous jazz musicians played with His band, including Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.
In 1947, the Hines group disbanded, and for the next four years, he played piano with the band Louis Armstrong, then joined several smaller musical settings. Earl Hines, whose style was showcased by intricate rhythms and forceful use of octaves, died in 1983.
Jazz People
by Harry N. Abrams, Incorporated, New York
Copyright 1976
ISBN 0-8109-1152-3
