GEORGE SHEARING

[Marian]

NEW YORK February 14, 2011, 02:15 pm ET
Sir George Shearing, the ebullient jazz pianist who wrote the standard "Lullaby of Birdland" and had a string of hits both with and without his quintet, has died. He was 91.

Shearing, blind since birth, died early Monday morning in Manhattan of congestive heart failure, his longtime manager Dale Sheets said.

"He was a totally one-of-a-kind performer," said Sheets. "It was something wonderful to see, to watch him work."

Shearing had been a superstar of the jazz world since a couple of years after he arrived in the United States in 1947 from his native England, where he was already hugely popular. The George Shearing Quintet's first big hit came in 1949 with a version of songwriter Harry Warren's "September in the Rain."

From a posting on facebook. R.I.P.

[john]

I have just read the news as well Marian. Great musician.
R.I.P. George Shearing

[mariana44]

I had not heard this news, or seen it on Ceefax.

Very sad news--I have several recordings of George Shearing and Mel Torme performing, which I really love.

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Very sad to hear that George Shearing has passed away.
What a talent he had from a young age, born in Battersea London, coming from a poor background but strived to make good.
He worked with the greatest musicians, and we agree with Marian, his music with Mel Torme is superb. !!!
RIP George Shearing.

[ROBERT M.]

RIP Sir George Shearing

[Josh]

Terrible news, such a gifted muscian no doubt he will be missed.

RIP Sir George Shearing