Local music lovers gathered downtown to celebrate the life of legendary Toledo musician, Art Tatum.
The event was held at the Ice Restaurant and Bar to honor the partially blind jazz pianist who would have turned 103 this Saturday. Dynamic pianists Josh Silver and John Cleveland were on hand to wow party goers. Tatum historians say it’s important to pass his story down to younger generations.
“I get calls periodically from people around the world who are just curious to hear more about of his (Art Tatum’s) story because a lot of his life wasn’t documented.” Brett Collins of the Art Tatum African American Resource Center said. “His legend is large; I think it’s important to keep his legend alive. So that’s why we celebrate his life every year.”
Art Tatum lived from 1909 to 1956. He was 47 when he passed away.
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