Essay On Art Tatum

Art Tatum and peanut m&ms share many of the same characteristics. The hard shell of the m&m is similar to the many challenges Art Tatum faced in his life and the chocolatey filling on the inside that surrounds the peanut is his family always surrounding him with support. Lastly, the peanut in the center is taste of peanut that never fades just like his music. It will never fade through the centuries. Art Tatum had lots of support from his family and friends growing up and was exposed to music at a young age. It still took him a lot of practice get to where he needed to be and he faced many difficulties along the way. Art Tatum lived a tough life and overcame many tasks and challenges to get to the point where his music is now. Because of his hard work and perseverance, he will forever leave a lasting impression on the jazz world. (move to last paragraph)
Art Tatum was born on October 13th, 1909 in Toledo, Ohio (New World Encyclopedia). His father was a factory worker and a mechanic. Both of his parents were amateur pianists who encouraged Art Tatum’s musical interest early in life. His mother also dabbled in violin. Tatum’s parents were born in the south but were part of the first generation to be born free instead of enslaved. Art Tatum was born blind in one eye and after being mugged on …show more content…
Art Tatum was mostly self-taught and he first learned how to play by ear. He started at the age of three by picking out church hymns he remembered and playing them on the piano in his home. Soon he was playing tunes from the radio and copying piano-roll recordings that his mother owned.

Once Tatum’s mother realized he was interested in playing piano she started to give him lessons. He went to Jefferson School for the Handicap in Toledo, the Toledo School of Music and the School for the Blind in Columbus. When he was in Columbus, he studied violin, guitar, piano and braille music reading. He was a prodigy with great