born June 15, 1921, Pittsburgh, Pa., U.S.
died Jan. 2, 1977, Los Angeles, Calif.
U.S. pianist and composer, one of the most virtuosic and popular pianists in jazz .
Garner was influenced by Fats Waller and was entirely self-taught. He spelled Art Tatum in the latter's trio in 1945 and subsequently formed his own three-piece group, achieving commercial success with Concert by the Sea (1958), one of the best-selling albums in jazz. Like Waller and Tatum, Garner was adept at performing both with a rhythm section and unaccompanied, often establishing great momentum with his sure sense of swing. His best-known composition is "Misty."