Jazz music and piano go hand-in-hand! You can’t talk about great jazz musicians without mentioning several jazz pianists. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the greatest jazz pianists of all time!
We’ll explore the best jazz pianists from all eras—from the early jazz of the 1920s to contemporary jazz—and discuss why these virtuosic pianists were influential for piano players and all jazz musicians.
But before we dive into the 50 greatest jazz pianists of all time, here’s a quick question:
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Table of Contents
How We Determined Our List of the 50 Greatest Jazz Pianists of All Time
In general, jazz pianists already play piano at a high level. They usually have an intuitive—if not well-studied—understanding of music theory compared to piano players in other genres. As a genre, jazz asks many of its players (as you know, dear reader)!
Any famous jazz pianist you can think of has worked hard and dedicated themselves to both the art of playing jazz and of playing piano.
However, among all the great jazz piano players, there exists a group of genuinely exceptional piano players who pushed their craft in new directions and brought immense value to the jazz scene and the greater musical world at large.
To make this list of the best jazz pianists of all time, the entrants must be exceptional and offer something unique to the genre, whether through virtuosity, innovation, individuality, or inspirational stories.
The jazz pianists on this list propelled jazz forward into the future, even if they were in our past. That’s why we’ll be considering jazz pianists from the earliest eras of jazz up until the modern day.
So, with that explanation out of the way, let’s dig into the 50 greatest pianists to grace the jazz genre!
1. Art Tatum
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1909-1956
- Eras of jazz: Swing Era
- Subgenres of jazz: Stride, Swing
Despite inhabiting a relatively small stretch of jazz history, Art Tatum is regarded as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time. His virtuosity and innovative use of harmonies and chord progressions were unparalleled for his time.
He was doing things on the piano in the 1930s and 40s that were harmonically and stylistically way ahead of his contemporaries. He certainly would go on to influence many of the other great jazz musicians on this list, including Lennie Tristano, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Mary Lou Williams.
Inspired by classical music and impressionism, Art Tatum incorporated chord extensions and alterations into his chord progressions at a time when general audiences were getting used to major 7th chords! He would also frequently utilize bitonality and counterpoint in his improvisations.
Because of his vast influence on the art of jazz piano and his relatively early position in jazz history, Art Tatum gets the number one spot! Check out Art Tatum playing live in 1943:
2. Thelonious Monk
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1917-1982
- Eras of jazz: Bebop, Post-bop
- Subgenres of jazz: Bebop, Hard bop, Modern Jazz
Thelonious Monk is one of the most influential jazz pianists and composers. His significant contributions to jazz include his unique improvisational style and many jazz compositions, which make up a substantial percentage of the many jazz standards we know and love.
Seriously! There is a clear pre-Monk and post-Monk line where jazz changed forever. In his day, Thelonius Monk wasn’t always revered by jazz critics. Despite some critical pushback against his independent style and voice, Thelonius Monk’s vision and pursuit of his own sound never wavered.
His unorthodox playing style and rhythmic idiosyncrasies breathed life into his infectious compositions, influencing the greater jazz idiom.
This prolific composer contributed these jazz standards to the repertoire:
- Round Midnight
- Ask Me Now
- Blue Monk
- Straight, No Chaser
- Ruby, My Dear
- Monk’s Dream
- In Walked Bud
- Well, You Needn’t
… to name a few.
Check out Thelonious Monk playing his tune “Blue Monk” in Norway in 1966:
3. Bill Evans
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1929-1980
- Eras of jazz: Cool Jazz, Post-bop
- Subgenres of jazz: Cool Jazz, Modal Jazz
Here, we have another prolific composer and incredible improviser. Bill Evans’s contributions to jazz piano and jazz music are many. Bill Evans was a classically trained pianist who was swept up into the modal jazz scene in the 1950s.
This great pianist played alongside many other great jazz musicians, including Miles Davis on his Album “Kind of Blue” and Tony Bennet. His duo work with jazz guitarist Jim Hall is also notable.
Of course, we must mention his work with his own band, the Bill Evans Trio, which included bassist Scott LaFaro, drummer Paul Motian, and later, bassist Gary Peacock and bassist Eddie Gomez. This trio set new standards for small jazz combo interplay and redefined what a piano trio could be.
Bill Evans was known for his intricate harmonic ideas and sensitive, lyrical playing, which were both inspired by the great impressionist pianists of the 19th century, like Ravel and Debussy.
Bill Evans’ compositions include:
- Waltz For Debby
- Blue in Green
- Time Remembered
- Turn Out The Stars
Check out Bill Evans relatively early on in his career in 1969:
4. Herbie Hancock
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1940-present
- Eras of jazz: Post-bop, Fusion, Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Post-bop, Jazz Fusion, Funk, Electronic Jazz
Herbie Hancock is one of the most versatile and innovative figures in music, let alone jazz! Herbie Hancock is a rare jazz musician with crossover appeal in mainstream music. His work spans several jazz subgenres, from his hard bop work to jazz fusion and hip-hop.
As a band leader, he has released groundbreaking, genre-redefining albums like Maiden Voyage and Empyrean Isles to pioneering jazz fusion with Head Hunters, which featured all electric instruments.
Herbie Hancock has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammys, and remains a significant influence on contemporary jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and funk.
His compositions include:
- Dolphin Dance
- Watermelon Man
- Cantaloupe Island
- Maiden Voyage
- Tell Me A Bedtime Story
- Chameleon
Check out Herbie Hancock playing his composition “Chameleon” live in 1974:
5. Keith Jarrett
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1945-present
- Eras of jazz: Post-bop, Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Post-bop, Free Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Solo Piano
Keith Jarrett is acclaimed for his improvisational prowess and his work in both jazz and classical music. As a classically trained pianist, Keith Jarret often blends the two genres, where he sometimes improvises jazz and classical music seamlessly for well over an hour straight.
His solo piano concerts, particularly “The Köln Concert,” are landmarks in jazz history.
Keith Jarrett is a player’s player. His ability to improvise and weave in and out of song forms makes him a well-studied example of the best piano (and jazz) have to offer.
He played alongside Miles Davis, Bill Evans, and drummer Jack DeJohnetteas a sideman. However, his most remarkable contributions to jazz came through his work with the Standards Trio and his solo performances, which raised the bar for piano trio playing and solo piano.
Check out Keith Jarrett live in Tokyo in 1984:
6. Chick Corea
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1941-2021
- Eras of jazz: Post-bop, Fusion, Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Post-bop, Jazz Fusion, Latin Jazz, Avant-garde Jazz
It’s time for a personal favorite of mine! A teacher once theorized that Chick Corea had perfect time like other musicians have perfect pitch. His technical ability on the piano is so incredible. Just listen to the second studio album, Now He Sings, Now He Sobs, and you’ll hear why.
Chick Corea was a pioneer in jazz piano playing. He was also an incredible composer and performer.
Chick Corea wrote and produced entire jazz concept albums, like The Leprechaun, and with his group Return To Forever, he basically defined Latin-inspired jazz fusion. He was also an excellent sideman, playing on Miles Davis’ “Bitches Brew,” which helped launch the jazz fusion genre.
Here are some of his notable compositions, which are considered jazz standards:
- Crystal Silence
- 500 Miles High
- Spain
- Humpty Dumpty
Check out Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea performing a duo concert! They have performed in this format many times over the years, and I was lucky enough to see them do it before Chick passed away in 2021.
7. Oscar Peterson
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1925-2007
- Eras of jazz: Swing, Bebop, Post-bop
- Subgenres of jazz: Swing, Bebop, Hard Bop
Oscar Peterson is the original innovator of the jazz piano trio format. This Canadian jazz pianist was one of the most virtuosic and influential jazz pianists of his time and would influence all jazz pianists after him.
Oscar Peterson was known for his remarkable technique and style, likely due to his training as a classical pianist as a child. He would practice for six or seven hours a day!
As a band leader, the Oscar Peterson Trio raised the bar for small jazz ensemble performances. His group changed the nature of what a piano trio could be.
His trio took many forms over the years and featured various jazz greats, including guitarists Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel, Joe Pass, and bassists Ray Brown and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen.
He released over 200 recordings, and his extensive discography includes many incredible performances by jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Dizzy Gillespie.
Check out Oscar Peterson on C-Jam Blues in 1964:
8. McCoy Tyner
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1938-2020
- Eras of jazz: Post-bop, Modal Jazz
- Subgenres of jazz: Post-bop, Modal Jazz, Hard Bop
McCoy Tyner was a significant figure in the development of modal jazz. This native Philadelphian made his name working with the John Coltrane Quartet. However, he had an incredibly successful and influential career as a band leader.
McCoy Tyner had a powerful, percussive piano playing style, and he innovated the use of quartal harmonies, which profoundly influenced how guitarists and piano players (and pretty much every improviser) thought about and improvised over chord changes.
If you want to incorporate quartal harmony into your own playing style, check out this article on quartal harmony!
Check out McCoy Tyner in 1973:
9. Brad Mehldau
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1970-present
- Eras of jazz: Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Post-bop, Contemporary Jazz, Jazz Fusion
Brad Mehldau is considered one of jazz’s greatest living pianists. He has fused elements from jazz, fusion, rock, and contemporary classical music into his modern-sounding musical style.
Brad Mehldau has worked with many other contemporary jazz greats, including Johsua Redmen, Pat Metheny, Larry Grenadier, Joel Fram, and Peter Bernstein. However, his work with the Brad Mehldau Trio is what makes him a living jazz legend.
He continues to the boundaries of modern jazz trios, particularly with regard to improvisation and group interplay. His trio has interpreted works by Radiohead, The Beatles, and other contemporary artists.
Check out Brad Mehldau interpreting David Bowie’s “Life On Mars:”
10. Bud Powell
image source: budpowelljazz.com
- Years lived: 1924-1966
- Eras of jazz: Bebop
- Subgenres of jazz: Bebop
Bud Powell was one of the leading figures in the bebop movement. This bebop pianist brought the harmonic, improvisational, and philosophical concepts of the bebop movement to the piano. He trained as a classical pianist and was renowned for his virtuosic touch and playing style.
Bud Powell’s influence on the pianists that followed him was profound. He directly influenced the playing styles of many pianists on this list, including Horace Silver, Wynton Kelly, André Previn, McCoy Tyner, and Chick Corea.
The reason for his influence is simple: he made the piano a bebop instrument that could compete with Charlie Parker’s saxophone playing or the Trumpet lines of Dizzy Gillespie.
Notable Bud Powell compositions include:
- Un Poco Loco
- Bouncing with Bud
- Parisian Thoroughfare
Check out Bud Powell live in 1960:
11. Wynton Kelly
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1931-1971
- Eras of jazz: Hard Bop, Post-bop
- Subgenres of jazz: Hard Bop, Soul Jazz
Wynton Kelly was a highly influential figure in the hard–bop and post-bop eras. He was well-known for his bluesy, soulful playing and prolific work as a top-called sideman.
Wynton began playing professionally at age 12 and had his first Billboard hit at age 16, playing the piano on Hal Singer’s 1948 song “Cornbread.” He would also have great success performing piano as a band leader.
His playing was characterized by its rhythmic, bluesy feel and lyrical phrasing. He is best known for his contributions to Miles Davis’s Kind of Blue on the tune “Freddie Freeloader” and on the album Someday My Prince Will Come.
Also notable are his collaborations with artists like Wes Montgomery and John Coltrane.
Check out Wynton Kelly and John Coltrane live on the jazz standard “On Green Dolphin Street:”
12. Ahmad Jamal
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1930-2023
- Eras of jazz: Cool Jazz, Post-bop, Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Cool Jazz, Modal Jazz
Ahmad Jamal is known for his innovative approach to jazz piano, especially his use of space, dynamics, and subtlety. At a time when virtuosity and speed were all the rage, Ahmad Jamal went in the other direction.
He coined the term “cool jazz,” which became the name for the contemplative and subtle subgenre of jazz he helped found. He was also known for his work as a band leader in his famous trio.
Check out his album “At the Pershing: But Not for Me” to hear his trio in action.
Jamal’s career spanned several decades, and his contributions to jazz piano have been profound. He has influenced numerous musicians, including Miles Davis, and continues to inspire contemporary jazz artists.
Here is Ahmad Jamal playing in 1973:
13. Horace Silver
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1928-2014
- Eras of jazz: Hard Bop
- Subgenres of jazz: Hard Bop, Soul Jazz
Horace Silver was a pivotal figure in developing hard bop and soul jazz. He was known for his catchy compositions and funky, bluesy piano-playing style.
Horace Silver was also a co-founder of the Jazz Messengers with Art Blakey, an incredibly influential jazz group that helped start the careers of many jazz greats. He had a direct say in the direction of modern jazz in the 1950s and 1960s.
He also composed many jazz standards, such as:
- Song for My Father
- The Preacher
- Moanin’
- Peace
Check out Horace Silver live on his tune “Senior Blues:”
14. Dave Brubeck
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1920-2012
- Eras of jazz: Cool Jazz, West Coast Jazz
- Subgenres of jazz: Cool Jazz, Modal Jazz
Dave Brubeck was a crucial figure in the West Coast jazz scene and helped propel cool jazz into the mainstream with his crossover album Time Out, which featured the infamous “Take Five.”
It’s rare in American popular music for a tune to be in a time signature other than 4/4. Dave Brubeck’s album Time Out featured many tunes in odd meter, including the Paul Desmond tune “Take Five,” a popular tune written in 5/4.
Dave Brubeck is also important because his catchy, approachable music served as a gateway into the jazz world for people unfamiliar with the genre. In essence, he exposed jazz to a broader audience, and his quartet was one of the most influential jazz ensembles of the 1950s and 1960s.
Some of his compositions include:
- Blue Rondo à la Turk
- Unsquare Dance
- Kathy’s Waltz
Check out Dave Brubeck playing on his group’s tune “Take Five:”
15. Michel Petrucciani
image source: NPR
- Years lived: 1962-1999
- Eras of jazz: Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Post-bop, Contemporary Jazz
Michel Petrucciani was a French jazz pianist known for his extraordinary technique and lyrical, expressive playing. Despite being born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition that caused brittle bones and short stature, Petrucciani’s musical abilities were immense.
He gained international acclaim for his emotive performances and collaborations with jazz musicians like Charles Lloyd and Joe Lovano. Petrucciani’s work continues to inspire for its emotional depth, technical brilliance, and ability to overcome significant physical challenges to achieve greatness in jazz.
16. Kenny Barron
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1943-present
- Eras of jazz: Post-bop, Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Post-bop, Hard Bop, Latin Jazz
It’s time for another favorite of mine!
Kenny Barron is a living legend among jazz musicians. He’s been active in the jazz scene for over five decades, collaborating with many of the genre’s legends, including Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Stanley Turrnetine, Freddie Hubbard, Lou Donaldson, Roy Haynes, Lee Morgan, and Yusef Lateef.
His tune repertoire and performance abilities are unmatched! This guy is a living Real Book, with hundreds of tunes ready at any given moment. His style is the definition of straight-ahead jazz; in other words, it is precisely what you want when you think of piano jazz.
Kenny Barron is also an incredible jazz educator, teaching pianists Earl MacDonald, Harry Pickens, Jon Regen, and Aaron Parks.
Check Out Kenny Barron on the classic jazz standard “Autumn Leaves:”
17. Joe Zawinul
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1932-2007
- Eras of jazz: Fusion, Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Jazz Fusion, World Jazz, Electronic Jazz
Joe Zawinul was a pioneering figure in the jazz fusion genre. He founded the influential jazz fusion band Weather Report alongside jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter (who you can learn about by checking out our article on the 37 greatest saxophone players of all time).
Zawinul’s contributions to fusion don’t stop there. He played piano with Miles Davis on the albums “In a Silent Way” and “Bitches Brew,” which were pivotal for defining the sound of jazz fusion.
Joe Zawinul heavily used electronic instruments and synthesizers, blending jazz with rock, funk, and world music elements.
Check out Joe Zawinul leading his group, the Zawinul Syndicate, at the North Sea Jazz Festival in 1997:
18. Cecil Taylor
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1929-2018
- Eras of jazz: Avant-garde, Free Jazz
- Subgenres of jazz: Free Jazz, Avant-garde Jazz
We have our first free jazz pioneer on the list!
Cecil Taylor was a revolutionary figure in the free jazz movement. He was known for his highly percussive, rhythmically complex playing style, which often featured polyrhythms and tone clusters.
Though he is considered a jazz pianist, he can just as easily be considered a contemporary classical pianist. Cecil Taylor’s unique voice and uncompromising artistic vision made him a piano pioneer. He redefined how the piano could be played.
Check out Cecil Taylor on a free improvisation:
19. Fats Waller
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1904-1943
- Eras of jazz: Harlem Renaissance, Swing Era
- Subgenres of jazz: Stride, Swing
Fats Waller was a virtuoso pianist, composer, and bonafide showman. He was an incredibly talented pianist and knew how to connect with his audience, making them laugh and feel the music. He was truly one of jazz music’s first stars.
As a stride pianist, he helped shape the direction of jazz piano. For those who don’t know, stride piano is a jazz piano style characterized by a left-hand technique that alternates between bass notes and chords, creating a rhythmically driving accompaniment.
This style of piano playing was infectiously popular during the Harlem Renaissance period in the 1920s, and Fats Waller was one of its key contributors. He also composed many classic jazz standards, including:
- Ain’t Misbehavin’
- Honeysuckle Rose
- Jitterbug Waltz
Check out Fats Waller playing in the stride style on his tune “Handful of Keys.” Notice how this is somewhere in between ragtime and modern jazz:
20. Earl Hines
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1903-1983
- Eras of jazz: Early Jazz, Swing Era
- Subgenres of jazz: Stride, Swing
Earl Hines was another early innovator of jazz piano and a pivotal figure in the evolution of stride piano to swing. Many other pianists on this list, including Lennie Tristano, Horace Silver, and Erroll Garner, credit him as one of the most influential jazz pianists of all time.
He was pivotal to the jazz tradition and is one of the best jazz pianists because of his influence.
Hines collaborated with Louis Armstrong in the late 1920s and produced some of the most influential early recordings in early jazz. He would evolve from the hot jazz era and leave his mark on big band jazz piano playing in the 30s and 40s. He even notoriously gave Charlie Parker his first big break.
Check out Hines playing “Rosetta” in Berlin in 1970:
21. Duke Ellington
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1899-1974
- Eras of jazz: Big Band, Swing Era
- Subgenres of jazz: Swing, Big Band, Orchestral Jazz
We’ve made our way to the Duke! Duke Ellington needs no introduction, but I’ll do my best. Not only does he stand as one of the greatest jazz composers of all time and one of the most outstanding band leaders of all time, but he also deserves to be recognized as one of the best piano players of all time.
When a person is great at many things, sometimes one or two of those things overshadow the other great qualities. Duke Ellington was an incredible band leader and composer, but he was also an outstanding jazz pianist.
There are many compositions he is famous for, so I’ll include a few of my favorites:
- Mood Indigo
- It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)
- Take the ‘A’ Train
- Caravan
- In A Sentimental mood
- Sophisticated Lady
Check out Duke Ellington live on “Old Man Blues:”
22. Tommy Flanagan
image source: jazzvisionsphotos.com
- Years lived: 1930-2001
- Eras of jazz: Hard Bop, Post-bop
- Subgenres of jazz: Hard Bop, Post-bop, Mainstream Jazz
Tommy Flanagan was a highly influential and respected jazz pianist known for his impeccable technique and great skill as an accompanist. He recorded with many jazz greats, including Ella Fitzgerald and John Coltrane, notably on the album Giant Steps, and with Sonny Rollins on Saxophone Colossus.
In a career spanning four and a half decades, he recorded more than 30 albums as a band leader and appeared on over 200 as a sideman! He was a highly sought-after jazz pianist for his skills as an accompanist and his musicality during a recording session.
Here is Tommy Flannagan playing on the standard “Someone To Watch Over Me:”
23. Red Garland
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1923-1984
- Eras of jazz: Bebop, Hard Bop
- Subgenres of jazz: Bebop, Hard Bop
Red Garland was a pivotal figure in the development of hard bop and is best known for his unique style of chord comping, which heavily utilized block chords or close-position chords, with the melody note as the top voice.
Garland’s career took off when he joined the Miles Davis Quintet in the 1950s. His unique voice contributed heavily to the quintet’s sound and the direction of modern jazz piano.
You can check out Red Garland’s playing on pivotal recordings like “Milestones” and “Workin’.,” which showcase his innovative style and soulful, bluesy feel.
Here he is playing on the standard “Bye Bye Blackbird” off the 1985 album I Left My Heart…:
24. Toshiko Akiyoshi
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1929-present
- Eras of jazz: Post-bop, Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Post-bop, Big Band, Contemporary Jazz
Toshiko Akiyoshi is one of the best jazz pianists you may have never heard of!
A renowned pianist, composer, and bandleader, she lived through many of the foundational jazz eras of the past and is still with us today! Also, she was the first Japanese musician to substantially impact the American jazz scene.
She is best known for her work with big bands and unique compositions. Toshiko infused her compositions with elements of traditional Japanese music, including traditional instrumentation, melodies, and musical themes.
Her skills as a big band composer, arranger, and leader put her up with the other big band legends, like Duke Ellington or Gil Evans.
Check her out playing with her piano trio in 1958:
25. Lennie Tristano
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1919-1978
- Eras of jazz: Bebop, Cool Jazz
- Subgenres of jazz: Bebop, Cool Jazz, Free Jazz
Lennie Tristano was a jazz giant! He was an incredible jazz improviser and composer known for his complex improvisational style and application of advanced harmonic concepts. His concepts influenced many great jazz musicians, including Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh.
Not only was he an incredible bebop pianist in the 1940s, but he experimented with some of the first recorded free group improvisations, which set the stage for free jazz. You can hear examples of this in his recordings “Intuition” and “Digression.”
He is often compared to Art Tatum for his use of complex harmonies and rhythms in his improvisations.
Check out Lennie Tristano playing on the jazz standard “Tangerine:”
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26. Marian McPartland
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1918-2013
- Eras of jazz: Bebop, Cool Jazz, Post-bop
- Subgenres of jazz: Bebop, Cool Jazz, Mainstream Jazz
Marian McPartland was a highly influential jazz pianist, composer, and radio personality. She had a sophisticated playing style and a profound understanding of jazz history and the traditions that shaped the music.
That’s why Marian McPartland is probably best known for her long-running NPR program “Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz,” where she interviewed and performed alongside countless jazz greats, cataloging and crystalizing the state of jazz across many years of its evolution.
Her work gives us unique insights into legends’ mindsets and jazz philosophies. Plus, she was just as proficient and virtuostic as her guests!
Check her out playing live in 1964:
27. Mary Lou Williams
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1910-1981
- Eras of jazz: Swing Era, Bebop
- Subgenres of jazz: Swing, Bebop, Blues, Gospel Jazz
Mary Lou Williams was a groundbreaking pianist, composer, and arranger whose career spanned several decades and whose innovations helped inspire significant developments in jazz.
She played a crucial role in the Swing Era, performing with Andy Kirk’s Twelve Clouds of Joy and arranging for the top big bands led by Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman.
In addition to her extraordinary skills as a composer, arranger, and performer, she was also an essential social figure in jazz.
Williams was a keystone figure in the New York jazz scene and served as a mentor figure to many bebop musicians, including Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Tadd Dameron, Bud Powell, and Dizzy Gillespie.
Check her out at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1978:
28. Mulgrew Miller
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1955-2013
- Eras of jazz: Post-bop, Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Post-bop, Hard Bop
Mulgrew Miller was a highly respected jazz pianist and educator known for his versatile rhythm and blues-infused playing style. Throughout his long career, he worked with jazz legends such as Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Woody Shaw, and the Duke Ellington Orchestra.
Not only was he a prolific piano player who performed and toured internationally, but he was also a dedicated educator. Throughout his life, his teaching influenced many young musicians, eventually leading to his eventual appointment as director of jazz studies at William Paterson University.
He has an extensive discography as both a leader and a sideman. Check out Mulgrew Miller playing with his piano trio:
29. Hank Jones
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1918-2010
- Eras of jazz: Swing Era, Bebop, Post-bop
- Subgenres of jazz: Swing, Bebop, Hard Bop
Hank Jones was a prolific jazz musician, arranger, composer, and bandleader known for his impeccable technique. His long career spanned over seven decades, during which he played with numerous jazz legends, including Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, and John Coltrane.
Jones was a member of the celebrated Great Jazz Trio, whose original members included Ron Carter and Tony Williams. He was widely respected as both a soloist and accompanist, recording and releasing over sixty albums as a band leader and appearing as a sideman on many more!
Check him out playing on the classic rhythm changes tune “I Got Rhythm:”
30. George Shearing
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1919-2011
- Eras of jazz: Swing Era, Bebop, Cool Jazz
- Subgenres of jazz: Swing, Bebop, Cool Jazz
George Shearing was a British jazz pianist known for his incredible skill and compositional genius. In fact, he composed and published over 300 songs.
Shearing’s style blended swing, bebop, and classical music elements, making his sound unique. He had a classical background and played bebop piano with classical precision and technique.
He gained fame with his quintet, producing hits like “Lullaby of Birdland” and “Conception,” which are now jazz standards.
Check out George Shearing playing on his original tune “Conception:”
31. Barry Harris
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1929-2021
- Eras of jazz: Bebop, Post-bop
- Subgenres of jazz: Bebop, Hard Bop
Barry Harris was a highly influential jazz piano player, educator, and bebop pioneer. Known for his deep understanding of the bebop language, Harris took the language of bebop legends like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis (having played with them) and further evolved and expanded it.
He was also a prominent figure in jazz education, teaching countless students through workshops, clinics, and his Jazz Cultural Theater in New York. His work helped codify the academic teachings of jazz theory and pedagogy.
Here is Barry Harris playing on the standard “There Will Never Be Another You:”
32. Teddy Wilson
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1912-1986
- Eras of jazz: Swing Era
- Subgenres of jazz: Swing
Teddy Wilson was a jazz pianist known for his elegant and gentile style. Influenced by Earl Hines and Art Tatum, he became a key figure in the Swing Era. He is probably best known for his work with the Benny Goodman Trio and Quartet, which were among the first racially integrated groups in jazz.
Wilson’s refined playing style and ability to blend seamlessly support other musicians made him a highly sought-after accompanist. He was one of the bridges between the stride piano tradition and modern swing and helped direct the evolution of jazz piano past the Swing Era.
Check out Teddy Wilson playing live with his trio in 1963:
33. Erroll Garner
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1921-1977
- Eras of jazz: Swing, Bebop
- Subgenres of jazz: Swing, Bebop, Mainstream Jazz
It’s the composer of Misty! Erroll Garner was a celebrated jazz pianist known for his distinctive playing style and joyful, virtuosic performances. He is most famous for his composition “Misty,” which became a much-recorded pop tune as well as a much-recorded jazz standard.
Garner lacked formal training, giving him a unique rhythm approach. His ability to create rich, orchestral textures on the piano set him apart from his contemporaries.
Here is Erroll Garner playing his tune “Misty:”
34. Ramsey Lewis
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1935-2022
- Eras of jazz: Contemporary, Crossover Jazz
- Subgenres of jazz: Soul Jazz, Pop Jazz, Crossover Jazz
Ramsey Lewis was a prominent jazz pianist and composer with crossover appeal. He was known for his ability to blend jazz with other genres like soul and pop. His artistry made jazz accessible to a broader audience.
He had much commercial success with compositions like:
- The In Crowd
- Hang On Sloopy
- Wade in the Water
His soul jazz sensibilities introduced many new listeners to the jazz scene, and his contributions to jazz continued throughout his long career as a performer, recording artist, and radio show host.
Check out Ramsey Lewis in 1973:
35. Kenny Drew
image source: Wikipedia
- Years lived: 1928-1993
- Eras of jazz: Bebop, Hard Bop
- Subgenres of jazz: Bebop, Hard Bop
Kenny Drew was a well-respected pianist known for his bebop and hard bop chops. He played with various jazz greats, including Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis, and contributed to many groundbreaking jazz recordings. He also had a prolific recording career as a band leader.
His long tenure in Europe, particularly in Denmark, helped nourish and shape the European jazz scene. His recordings as a leader and sideman are pivotal to the sound of modern jazz piano.
Here is Kenny Drew playing with Freddie Hubbard in 1967:
36. André Previn
image source: NPR
- Years lived: 1929-2019
- Eras of jazz: Swing, Post-bop
- Subgenres of jazz: Swing, Cool Jazz, Jazz Classical Fusion
André Previn was an accomplished musician known for his work as a jazz pianist, composer, and conductor. He mastered classical music and jazz and found ways to blend the two in unique and artistic ways.
Previn’s recordings in the 1950s and 1960s, including his interpretations of standards and collaborations with artists like Shelly Manne, showed his prowess in jazz. He was also a Hollywood film composer, composing for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer before he was 20 years old!
Hear André Previn shredding on “Just in Time:”
37. Nat King Cole
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1919-1965
- Eras of jazz: Swing Era, Early Post-War Jazz
- Subgenres of jazz: Swing, Jazz Pop, Vocal Jazz
One of the most talented figures in jazz has to be Nat King Cole. Nat King Cole was a jazz pianist and jazz singer whose smooth, velvety voice made him an extremely popular entertainer who still has power today.
He is more often remembered as one of the great jazz singers than one of the great jazz pianists, but this is a fault of history’s ability to recall things and not of Nat King Cole. He was a class-A jazz pianist. All you need to do to verify this is to listen to the influential Nat King Cole Trio.
Check out Nat King Cole the two things he does best:
38. Gene Harris
image source: NPR
- Years lived: 1933-2000
- Eras of jazz: Post-bop, Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Soul Jazz, Hard Bop, Blues
Gene Harris was known for his soulful, blues-inflected playing and ability to infuse jazz with a strong sense of groove and rhythm. He led a group called The Three Sounds, which achieved commercial success with its distinctive sound that blended jazz, blues, and gospel influences.
His energetic and joyful approach to the piano made him a favorite among jazz and blues fans. Harris’s work as a leader and a sideman solidified his reputation as a master of soulful jazz piano.
Check out a bluesy Gene Harris in 1994:
39. Geri Allen
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1957-2017
- Eras of jazz: Post-bop, Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Post-bop, Avant-garde Jazz, Jazz Fusion
Geri Allen was a highly innovative and influential pianist, composer, and educator. She was known for her versatility and deep respect for jazz history. Allen blended traditional and modern jazz elements to produce a unique sound.
She worked with jazz players like Ornette Coleman, Charlie Haden, and Charles Lloyd, showcasing her ability to push the boundaries of jazz to the limits while remaining tethered to its core principles.
Check out Geri Allen in 2014:
40. Tigran Hamasyan
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1987-present
- Eras of jazz: Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Jazz Fusion, Avant-garde Jazz, Ethnojazz
Tigran Hamasyan is an incredibly innovative contemporary jazz pianist known for blending jazz with Armenian folk music, classical, rock, and electronic elements. He has a unique approach to composition and improvisation and possesses virtuostic talent on the piano.
Hamasyan’s compositions and performances exhibit rhythmic complexity and lyricism. As a modern jazz pioneer, he is actively evolving the art form toward its future trajectory.
Check out Tigran Hamasyan performing in June of 2024 and the Holland Festival in Amsterdam:
41. Hiromi Uehara
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1979-present
- Eras of jazz: Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Jazz Fusion, Post-bop, Progressive Jazz
Hiromi Uehara is a virtuoso pianist renowned for her high-energy live performances and technical prowess on the piano. Like many contemporary jazz musicians, her music blends jazz, classical, rock, and electronic elements.
Hiromi’s work, both as a solo artist and with her Trio Project, showcases her ability to create something new and exciting out of jazz, classical music, rock, and electronic music. However, this has to be heard rather than explained!
Check her out in 2015:
42. Jason Moran
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1975-present
- Eras of jazz: Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Post-bop, Avant-garde Jazz, Jazz Fusion
Jason Moran is a leading figure in contemporary jazz. He is known for his innovative approach to the piano and integrating multimedia elements into his performances. His work combines traditional jazz with modern influences.
Moran has received numerous accolades, including a MacArthur “Genius” Grant. His projects explore the intersections of music, history, and culture. As a composer, performer, and educator, Moran continues to shape the future of jazz with his creative vision and commitment to artistic exploration.
Check him out at Jazzfest Bonn in 2019:
43. Gerald Clayton
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1984-present
- Eras of jazz: Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Post-bop, Modern Jazz
Gerald Clayton is a contemporary jazz pianist known for his sophisticated and dynamic playing style. He has garnered critical acclaim for his ability to blend traditional jazz elements with modern sensibilities and for his unique approach to playing the piano. He also studied under Kenny Barron!
Clayton has worked with many modern and contemporary jazz greats, including Roy Hargrove, Diana Krall, and John Scofield. He works as both a band leader and a sideman and continues to push his artistic vision toward the future.
Check him out playing duo with his father, bassist John Clayton:
44. Chucho Valdés
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1941-present
- Eras of jazz: Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Afro-Cuban Jazz, Latin Jazz, Jazz Fusion
Chucho Valdés is a highly influential Cuban pianist, composer, and bandleader known for contributing to Afro-Cuban jazz and Latin jazz. He founded the groundbreaking group Irakere, which blended jazz, rock, classical, and traditional Cuban music.
Valdés’s virtuosic playing and innovative compositions have made him an important figure in the development of Latin jazz. He’s won multiple Grammy Awards and continues to inspire musicians with his dynamic performances and fusion of various musical styles.
Check out Chucho Valdés in 2021:
45. Abdullah Ibrahim
- Years lived: 1934-present
- Eras of jazz: Post-bop, Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Cape Jazz, Avant-garde Jazz, African Jazz
Abdullah Ibrahim, formerly Dollar Brand, is a South African pianist and composer known for blending jazz with traditional African music. His compositions contributed to the resistance against the political violence and oppression enforced by the now-abolished apartheid state.
Albums like Mannenberg were symbols of the anti-apartheid movement.
He is considered a founding figure of the jazz subgenre Cape Jazz, a fusion genre of jazz and traditional music found in the areas surrounding Cape Town, South Africa.
Check out Abdullah Ibrahim playing for an NPR tiny desk concert:
46. Gonzalo Rubalcaba
image source: NPR
- Years lived: 1963-present
- Eras of jazz: Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Afro-Cuban Jazz, Latin Jazz, Post-bop
Gonzalo Rubalcaba is a celebrated Cuban pianist and composer known for his impeccable technique and innovative blending of Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz. This multiple Grammy Award-winning artist is a leading figure in contemporary Afro-Cuban jazz music.
He has released 36 albums as a band leader and has appeared as a sideman on countless others. Check out Gonzalo Rubalcaba in 1991 playing on everyone’s favorite jazz standard, “Autumn Leaves:”
47. Bill Charlap
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1966-present
- Eras of jazz: Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Post-bop, Mainstream Jazz
Bill Charlap is a pianist known for his elegant and lyrical approach to jazz. This jazz-standard songbook of a man gained recognition for his many releases with his trio, the Bill Charlap Trio.
He has worked with many jazz greats, including Gerry Mulligan, Benny Carter, Tony Bennett, Phil Woods, Scott Hamilton, and Ron Carter.
Check out Bill Charlap playing the standard “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” in 2020:
48. Fred Hersch
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1955-present
- Eras of jazz: Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Post-bop, Contemporary Jazz, Solo Piano
Fred Hersch is a highly influential pianist and composer known for his lyrical playing, sophisticated harmonic sense, and innovative solo piano work. He has been a significant force in contemporary jazz, earning numerous accolades and Grammy nominations.
Hersch’s ability to blend classical influences with jazz improvisation sets him apart. Hersch has also significantly impacted the jazz community as a music educator and advocate of the arts.
Check out the Fred Hersch trio:
49. Robert Glasper
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1978-present
- Eras of jazz: Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Jazz Fusion, Hip-Hop Jazz, Neo-Soul, R&B
Robert Glasper is an incredible pianist and producer known for his innovative fusion of jazz with hip-hop, R&B, and neo-soul. His work with the Robert Glasper Experiment, particularly the albums “Black Radio” and “Black Radio 2,” has won multiple Grammy Awards.
Robert Glasper has a unique ability to bridge genres and bring jazz to a broader, younger audience. His collaborations with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Erykah Badu, and Common prove that jazz still has power in the contemporary world of pop music.
Check out the Robert Glasper Trio:
50. Vijay Iyer
image source: Wikimedia Commons
- Years lived: 1971-present
- Era of jazz: Contemporary
- Subgenres of jazz: Post-bop, Avant-garde Jazz, Jazz Fusion
Vijay Iyer is an innovative pianist and composer known for his unique blend of jazz with elements of classical, electronic, and world music. His compositions are characterized by complex rhythms, rich textures, and unique improvisations.
Iyer has received numerous awards, including a MacArthur Fellowship, and he was voted Jazz Artist of the Year by DownBeat magazine’s international critics’ polls in 2012, 2015, 2016, and again in 2018.
As an active performer, composer, and educator, his impact on jazz is still developing!
Check out Vijay Iyer playing with his trio:
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