Origins & Early Life

Earl Kenneth Hines (December 28, 1903 – April 22, 1983), also known as Earl "Fatha" Hines, was an American jazz pianist and bandleader. He was one of the most influential figures in the development of jazz piano and, according to one source, "one of a small number of pianists whose playing shaped the history of jazz". The trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie (a member of Hines's big band, along with Charlie Parker) wrote: The piano is the basis of modern harmony. This little guy came out of Chicago, Earl Hines.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

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. The pianist Lennie Tristano said, "Earl Hines is the only one of us capable of creating real jazz and real swing when playing all alone." Horace Silver said, "He has a completely unique style.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

No one can get that sound, no other pianist." Erroll Garner said, "When you talk about greatness, you talk about Art Tatum and Earl Hines." Count Basie...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alan Paton — Contemporary (Born in 1903) (1903): Pioneering South African author and anti-apartheid activist.
• Amy Johnson — Contemporary (Born in 1903) (1903): Pioneering English aviator, first woman to fly solo from London to Australia.
• Anaïs Nin — Contemporary (Born in 1903) (1903): Pioneering diarist and author whose intimate writings explored sexuality and the subconscious.
• Alfred Tarski — Contemporary (Died in 1983) (1983): Pioneering logician known for model theory and the formal concept of truth.
• Amy Winehouse — Contemporary (Born in 1983) (1983): Iconic British soul artist blending jazz, R&B, and retro sounds.
• Anastasia Davydova — Contemporary (Born in 1983) (1983): Five-time Olympic gold medalist and celebrated coach in Russian synchronized swimming.
• Amos Oz — Shared historical date (12-28 · Died) (2018): Pioneering Israeli novelist, journalist, and intellectual whose works explored Palestinian life.
• Ante Pavelić — Shared historical date (12-28 · Died) (1959): Croatian politician and dictator of the Independent State of Croatia (1941-1945)
• Aaron Spelling — Shared historical date (04-22 · Born) (1923): Pioneering American producer of hit TV series like Dynasty and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• Alan Bond — Shared historical date (04-22 · Born) (1938): Australian businessman known for high-profile dealings, the America's Cup, and founding Bond University.
• 1903 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1903
• December 28 (12-28) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 28
• 1983 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1983
• April 22 (04-22) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on April 22