Deaths on April 22

Earl Hines, American pianist and bandleader (b. 1903)

Earl Kenneth Hines, affectionately known to the jazz world as Earl "Fatha" Hines, was an American jazz pianist and bandleader whose monumental career spanned from December 28, 1903, until his passing on April 22, 1983. He emerged as one of the most profoundly influential figures in the evolution of jazz piano, often cited as one of a select few pianists whose groundbreaking approach indelibly shaped the entire trajectory of jazz music. His unique style and innovative techniques didn't merely adapt to the evolving soundscapes of jazz; they actively propelled them forward, making him a true pioneer whose legacy resonates deeply within the genre.

Hines's singular contribution lay in his revolutionary piano style, often dubbed the "trumpet style" or "horn-like" approach. Before Hines, jazz piano was largely characterized by stride playing, a left-hand technique providing bass and chords while the right hand typically played melodies and flourishes. Hines, however, ingeniously freed up the right hand, allowing it to articulate single-note lines with the melodic complexity, rhythmic drive, and improvisational fluidity typically associated with a brass or reed instrument. This percussive, harmonically adventurous style was a seismic shift, breaking decisively from traditional ragtime and stride conventions and laying the essential groundwork for future developments in jazz piano. His meteoric rise in the vibrant Chicago jazz scene of the 1920s cemented his reputation as a formidable and fearless innovator.

Beyond his solo genius, Hines was also a celebrated bandleader. His highly influential big band served as a vital incubator for some of jazz's most iconic future stars, acting as a crucial proving ground where budding legends honed their craft. It was within this very ensemble that towering figures like trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and saxophonist Charlie Parker, who would later become the architects of the bebop revolution, famously played. Gillespie himself eloquently articulated Hines's foundational importance: "The piano is the basis of modern harmony. This little guy came out of Chicago, Earl Hines. He changed the style of the piano. You can find the roots of Bud Powell, Herbie Hancock, all the guys who came after that. If it hadn't been for Earl Hines blazing the path for the next generation to come, it's no telling where or how they would be playing now. There were individual variations but the style of... the modern piano came from Earl Hines." This powerful statement underscores Hines's pivotal role in shaping the very language and harmonic possibilities of jazz piano for generations to come, truly blazing a trail.

The profound impact of Earl Hines was widely recognized and celebrated by his contemporaries and successive generations of musicians, who held him in the highest esteem. Pianist Lennie Tristano, a pioneer of cool jazz, once insightfully remarked, "Earl Hines is the only one of us capable of creating real jazz and real swing when playing all alone," highlighting Hines's exceptional ability to sustain rhythmic momentum and harmonic interest as a solo performer without accompaniment. Similarly, Horace Silver, an influential figure in hard bop, praised his distinctiveness with admiration, stating, "He has a completely unique style. No one can get that sound, no other pianist." Erroll Garner, another virtuoso pianist known for his unique style, concisely placed Hines among the absolute titans of the instrument: "When you talk about greatness, you talk about Art Tatum and Earl Hines." Even Count Basie, a legendary bandleader and pianist in his own right, famously declared Hines to be "the greatest piano player in the world," a testament to the unparalleled admiration and reverence he commanded within the global jazz community.

Frequently Asked Questions About Earl "Fatha" Hines

What was Earl Hines's nickname and why was it given to him?

Earl Kenneth Hines was universally known as Earl "Fatha" Hines. The nickname "Fatha" is widely believed to have originated from his early days performing in Chicago, possibly given by a radio announcer. It signified his role as a "father" or foundational, influential figure in the rapidly developing jazz scene, particularly for his pioneering and widely imitated piano style.

What made Earl Hines's piano style so unique and influential?

Hines revolutionized jazz piano by developing what was often termed the "trumpet style" or "horn-like" approach. He broke significantly from the traditional stride piano, utilizing his right hand to play single-note melodic lines and percussive, harmonically advanced chords, mimicking the phrasing and improvisation of a horn player. This innovative technique fundamentally transformed jazz piano and significantly influenced its modern evolution.

Which famous musicians had their start or played in Earl Hines's big band?

Earl Hines's big band was renowned as a crucial training ground and incubator for numerous future jazz legends. Notable figures who played in his influential ensemble included trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and saxophonist Charlie Parker, both of whom would go on to become principal architects of the bebop movement, a significant shift in jazz history.

How did Earl Hines specifically influence subsequent generations of jazz pianists?

Hines's groundbreaking and innovative style laid much of the foundational groundwork for many successive jazz pianists. As eloquently noted by Dizzy Gillespie, Hines's approach contained the "roots" of later giants such as Bud Powell and Herbie Hancock. He essentially shaped the harmonic language, rhythmic possibilities, and improvisational vocabulary of modern jazz piano for generations to come, making him a true progenitor.

Where did Earl Hines primarily rise to prominence and develop his groundbreaking style?

Earl Hines first achieved significant recognition and developed his revolutionary "trumpet style" in the exceptionally vibrant and competitive jazz scene of Chicago during the 1920s. This period is often considered a golden age for the city's music, where Hines carved out his indelible place in jazz history.