Art Tatum

The Profile

Art Tatum (Arthur Tatum Jr.) was an American jazz pianist famed for unmatched technique, harmonic daring, and high-velocity imagination, a towering figure of swing and stride whose solo and group recordings remain definitive.

Born 1909 in Toledo and died 1956 in Los Angeles; a stride-rooted innovator who expanded jazz harmony and tempo; landmark sets include Piano Starts Here and the Pablo Solo Masterpieces; collaborated with Ben Webster, Roy Eldridge, Buddy DeFranco, and Buddy Rich.

A single, glowing review praises Tatum’s virtuosity—“a waterfall of notes”—across solo and group settings. Highlights include solo takes like Willow Weep for Me and Caravan, and collaborations on Night and Day and Love for Sale. The reviewer notes his adaptability with top players (Eldridge, Webster, Rich, DeFranco) and urges newcomers to dive in.