About
Jazz artist who was stricken with osteogenesis imperfecta at birth, which caused his short height. He was one of the greatest pianists of his day.
Before Fame
He did not mourn the many difficulties his disability brought him, but instead counted it a blessing that he could focus exclusively on his music without the distractions other young boys faced, like sports.
Trivia
He gave a historic performance with jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd at Town Hall in New York City, as seen in the film One Night with Blue Note from 1985.
Family Life
His father purchased a toy piano for him when he was four, but he destroyed it with a toy hammer, thinking the keys resembled giant teeth that were laughing at him. His father then replaced it with a real piano.
Associated With
He was inspired to pursue jazz piano as a boy after seeing Duke Ellington on television.
