Sir George Shearing, jazz pianist, RIP

[Maurice]

Sir George Shearing, OBE, died yesterday, aged 91, from congestive heart failure.

He was born in Britain, but had been based in New York for more than 60 years.

The pianist, blind since birth, composed LULLABY OF BIRDLAND and worked with Nat King Cole, Mel Torme, Peggy Lee and Sarah Vaughan.

[cornershop15]

I was instantly saddened to learn of George Shearing's death yesterday. I've only ever associated him with Lullaby of Birdland and Let There Be Love, neither of which charted in America, although the latter was a British hit. Both these records were Radio 2 favourites in the past but I hadn't heard Lullaby in full for many, many years until You Tube gave me the opportunity just now. This is the version I remember:

It must be the original 1952 recording featuring Marjorie Hyams on 'vibes'. A wonderful sound.

I'm not normally a fan of Jazz but I do love this recording. A great selection of pictures here:

No. 11 in 1962

R.I.P., George

[Mustard Pies]

Well, at 91 you can't complain about that. But sad nevertheless.

RIP.

[Bernardo]

George plus Oscar Peterson and Dave Brubeck, happily still with us, are irreplaceable and gave jazz a wider audience.

[theuofc]

George Shearing was wonderful. Just hearing his name brings back so many memories.
R.I.P. Mr. Shearing.

Barbara