Artist Spotlights
Willie “The Lion” Smith
1893–1973. Harlem stride pianist and composer whose elegant pieces, like “Echoes of Spring,” moved Duke Ellington to write “Portrait of the Lion” for him.
Mentioned in
- Artist Spotlight: Art Tatum —
Soon after Art Tatum reached New York in 1932, Harlem’s stride masters tested the young pianist from Toledo at a late-night session. Hear his 1933 recording of “Tea for Two.”