Art Tatum: The Musician's Musician
More that fifty years ago, the jazz musician Art Tatum died. He's been called one of the piano geniuses of all time, in any genre. Yet his legacy is often overlooked. Read more

Time-tested Tatum
Toledo jazz pianist was the best there ever was. Read more

Piano Starts Here – The Young Art Tatum
by Robert Andrew Parker
Children’s illustrator and author Robert Andrew Parker (age 80) is a long-time fan of Art Tatum and his music, and was fortunate enough to see him perform live on 52nd Street in 1946. Parker actually did the cover artwork for Columbia's original LP of Tatum “Piano Starts Here.” Now, decades later, Parker’s “ Piano Starts Here art has morphed into an educational and literary tribute to Tatum.

Meet the author in person and see the original watercolor paintings for this book, Thursday evening, June 19, 2008 at New York's Apollo Theater.

The book is a beautifully-crafted children’s book published by Random House. illustrating Tatum’s world and Tatum’s insight. In the world of Art Tatum, dark and light didn’t matter– what did matter were the smells, like corn bread baking in the over and the sounds, like the tinkle of piano keys. Parker’s book adds a unique visual into Tatum’s life; librarians and grade school teachers nationwide are recommending the book highly.

Art Tatum legacy does live on and “Piano Starts Here” has brought new life (and sound) to the jazz legend’s landmark performances. Thanks to the continued efforts of Zenph Studios, Sony BMG Masterworks, The Apollo Theater, the forthcoming benefit shows for TNJMH, we’re seeing and hearing Art Tatum’s music in 2008 like never before.