Posted on October 13, 2025
Holy Toledo! On October 13, 1909, Art Tatum was born in Toledo, Ohio. His groundbreaking recordings, such as Tea for Two (1933), and albums like Piano Starts Here (1949), blend stride and swing with inimitable technical brilliance, influencing legends like Ahmad Jamal and Sergio Mendes. The Art Tatum Resource Center is a celebration of both Art Tatum’s legacy and the vibrant culture that surrounds Toledo. The adroitness of blending the musical genius of Tatum with the natural and cultural richness of Toledo is truly inspiring. Materials available in the Library’s Art Tatum Center echo his groundbreaking work, are surrounded by elements of local culture, and tie back to his influence and the rich history of Toledo. How do you imagine the atmosphere or vibe of the Catine? Would it be a more relaxing or energetic celebration? Which Psalm shall be read to commemorate the beloved?
For birthdays, here’s Tatum and additional encores for individual jazz percussionists, Thelonious Sphere Monk, born October 10, 1917, in Brooklyn, NY, and Les McCann (born September 23, 1935) in Lexington, KY, to whose memory and legacy this blog post is humbly dedicated…