George Shearing was a British-American jazz pianist and composer who is best known for “Lullabye of Birdland”, his extensive recordings, and performances. Born on August 13, 1919, in Battersea, London, England, he became an influential figure in jazz until his passing on February 14, 2011.
Personal and Family Life
George Shearing was the youngest of nine children in a poor family; his father was a coal delivery man, and his mother worked as a train cleaner. Even though he was blinded shortly after birth, he learned to play the piano at the age of three. He had two marriages, first to Beatrice Bayes, from which he later divorced, and then to Eleanor Geffert, who was his wife until his death.
Death and Legacy
George Shearing passed away from congestive heart failure on February 14, 2011, in New York City, New York. He left behind a rich legacy in jazz music, contributing as a prolific recording artist and gaining recognition with honors like the O.B.E. and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Disc Jockey | 1951-09-30 | Himself |
| Jazz on a Summer’s Day | 1960-03-28 | Self |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |
| The Mike Douglas Show | 1961-12-11 | Self |
| The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | 1962-10-01 | Self |