George Shearing was born on August 13, 1919, in England. Despite being blind since birth, he showed a remarkable talent for music at a young age. He began playing piano and accordion at the Mason's Arms, a local pub in Lambeth, instead of pursuing formal musical training through the scholarships he was offered.
Shearing's passion for music led him to explore various genres, including Latin and swing. He composed over 300 songs during his career and was a chart-topping artist from the 1950s until the 1990s. He recorded music for popular record labels such as Discovery Records, MGM Records, and Capitol Records.
One of the highlights of Shearing's career was his collaboration with Mel Tormé at Concord Records. Their partnership resulted in two Grammy Awards in 1983 and 1984. Shearing's unique blend of jazz and Latin music captivated audiences worldwide.
In 1941, Shearing married Trixie Bayes, and they were together until 1973. After her passing, he married Ellie Geffert in 1975. Shearing had a daughter named Wendy and cherished spending time with his family when he was not on tour.
Throughout his career, Shearing performed for three U.S. presidents: Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan. His music continues to inspire new generations of musicians, and his influence on the jazz world remains undeniable.
George Shearing's impact on the music industry is immeasurable. His innovative approach to jazz and his ability to overcome personal obstacles have solidified his place as one of the greatest pianists of all time. He passed away on February 14, 2011, but his music lives on, touching the hearts of fans around the world.
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