Erroll Garner

Pianist

Birthday June 15, 1923

Birth Sign Gemini

Birthplace Pittsburgh, PA

DEATH DATE Jan 2, 1977 (53)

#114374 Most Popular

About

Jazz artist known for his 1955 ballad Misty, which became a jazz standard and had lyrics added by Johnny Burke.

Before Fame

He taught himself to play piano and never learned to read music. He first appeared on KDKA radio in Pittsburgh with the Candy Kids when he was seven.

Trivia

He was so short, coming in at 5'2", that he had to sit on several telephone directories when he was performing.

Family Life

His older brother, Linton S. Garner, also became a composer.

Associated With

He was rumored to be Johnny Carson's favorite jazz artist, leading to many Tonight Show appearances.