George Shearing - Lullaby of Birdland

[rogerballard]

[Attilatheblond]

1. Takes me back to peaceful times in my childhood

One of the parents' favorite. Thank you.

[PJMcK]

2. A terrific jazz pianist!

Swearing’s signature of tight complex harmonies was influential in my musical upbringing. My mother bought a series of publications he issued with his arrangements and I spent many hours learning his harmonic language.

Once, Shearing was on the Tonight Show and Johnny asked him, “Since you’re blind, George, how do you find middle-C on the piano?”

Without missing a beat, Shearing replied, “It’s easy. It’s right underneath the “B” in Baldwin!”

[blm]

3. An old friend of mine wrote that with him

George David Weiss.

He passed away years ago, but, the stories he shared with me live on, fresh as ever.

He’s written some of the most iconic songs ever recorded. It’s a Wonderful World, Lion Sleeps Tonight, Can’t Help Falling in Love, Stay With Me, and more.