Art Tatum (Toledo (Ohio), October 13, 1909 – Los Angeles (California), 5 november 1956) was an American jazzpianist who is characterized by his talent for improvisationand the jump technique of his left hand.
Tatum suffered at birth to an eye disease which he had restricted view. From his youth he played piano and played professionally in Ohio, before moving to New York in 1932.
Tatum was inspired by his contemporaries James p. Johnson and Fats Waller and had influence on other jazz pianists such as Thelonious Monk, Oscar Petersonand Chick Corea . He was seen by his colleagues as the most gifted pianist of his time and according to some as one of the greatest pianists in what genre whatsoever.