Any jazz pianist considered influential will usually be one who’s name is widely known within their field. Jazz pianists abound but not all can be considered influential and many are relatively unknown. The main influences in jazz are names known even among people who are not necessarily jazz fans. COUNT BASIE is known the world over both as a pianist and a bandleader. He is without doubt one of the major influential figures in jazz music with a career that spanned many years. HOAGY CARMICHAEL is another jazz pianist who’s life spanned many years and is a figure revered in the jazz world as an influence on others.
RAY CHARLES is best known as a singer of some great songs but was also an outstanding jazz pianist, often accompanying himself as he sang a variety of songs with his band. NAT KING COLE very seldom played piano but spent most of his time singing even though he was an accomplished pianist in his own right. A modern example of an influential jazz pianist who is also better known for his singing prowess is HARRY CONNICK JR. The great Duke Ellington is possibly the greatest influence on jazz pianists in the eyes of many as a pioneer on the jazz scene and leader of his own band. He was a great pianist even though he later spent more time as band leader which built the reputation he now enjoys.
GEORGE GERSHWIN was a master of the piano and was the composer of many great pieces of music during his career, the pinnacle being his Rhapsody in Blue. JOOLS HOLLAND is one of the modern pianists who continues to influence others with his desire to play live music. JELLY ROLL MORTON is another major influence as the man who claims to have invented jazz music in the 1890s. The list of jazz pianists, past and present, is endless. Many are well known, others are not. The pianists who had the greatest influence on others are well remembered for their own natural talent and for their inspiration as they encouraged others to emulate them. Jazz has been with us for a very long time and has produced some great musicians including top notch pianists whose legacies remain with us.
Each jazz fan will point to their own personal influence within the world of jazz but it is likely that the same names will appear time and again when a list of influential pianists is compiled. Jazz music has enthralled music lovers for a very long time and still has many adherents who love this style of music. The past century has seen some outstanding artists who have graced the jazz scene and who continue to live in the memory of those love this wonderful music.