Object Details
- Artist
- Herman Leonard, 1923 - 2010
- Sitter
- Art Tatum, 13 Oct 1909 - 5 Nov 1956
- Exhibition Label
- A legendary jazz pianist, Art Tatum combined brilliant technique with a talent for adventurous improvisation. Blind in one eye and with low vision in the other, Tatum learned to read music with the aid of eyeglasses and braille while studying at the Toledo School of Music. He performed in assorted venues in Toledo before his job as accompanist to a cabaret singer took him to New York City in 1932. Once there, Tatum’s career took a giant leap forward. He quickly established his reputation by playing in the city’s jazz clubs, and within a year he cut his first solo recordings—including a sparkling version of “Tea for Two” (1933). Tatum’s playing evolved stylistically, moving from a bold “stride” piano technique to more nuanced interpretations that often featured breathtaking “runs” along the keyboard. A highly versatile musician, Tatum built a vast, eclectic repertoire that ranged from popular songs to classical favorites.
- Verdadera leyenda del piano jazzístico, Art Tatum combinaba una técnica brillante con un gran talento para la improvisación arriesgada. Ciego de un ojo y con muy poca visión en el otro, Tatum aprendió a leer música con ayuda de lentes y el sistema braille cuando estudiaba en la Toledo School of Music. Permaneció en Toledo tocando en diversos locales hasta que en 1932 se fue a la ciudad de New York como acompañante de una cantante de cabaret. Allí su carrera dio un salto enorme. Muy pronto se dio a conocer tocando en los clubes de jazz, y al año ya había hecho sus primeras grabaciones como solista, incluida una chispeante versión de “Tea for Two” (1933). Su estilo interpretativo evolucionó con el tiempo, alejándose de la impetuosa técnica del stride hacía ejecuciones más matizadas, a menudo adornadas con melismas a lo largo del teclado. Músico muy versátil, Tatum desarrolló un repertorio vasto y ecléctico que abarcaba desde canciones populares hasta los clásicos favoritos del género jazzístico.
- Credit Line
- National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
- 1955 (printed 1998)
- Object number
- NPG.2014.111.27
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Copyright
- © Herman Leonard Photography LLC
- Type
- Photograph
- Medium
- Selenium-toned gelatin silver print
- Dimensions
- Image: 39.9 × 31.5cm (15 11/16 × 12 3/8")
- Sheet: 50.4 × 40.6cm (19 13/16 × 16")
- Frame: 71.8 × 56.5 × 3.8 cm (28 1/4 × 22 1/4 × 1 1/2")
- Place
- United States\California\Los Angeles\Los Angeles
- See more items in
- National Portrait Gallery Collection
- Location
- Currently not on view
- National Portrait Gallery
- Topic
- Interior
- Costume\Jewelry\Bracelet
- Art Tatum: Male
- Art Tatum: Arts and Culture\Performing Arts\Music\Musician\Pianist
- Art Tatum: Arts and Culture\Performing Arts\Music\Musician\Jazz musician
- Art Tatum: Person with a disability\Blind person
- Portrait
- Record ID
- npg_NPG.2014.111.27
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/sm4383fa382-e744-48ef-bd86-17af0d1d8577
