Tommy Flanagan

Tommy Flanagan (March 16, 1930 – November 16, 2001) was an American jazz pianist and composer. Born in Detroit, he was initially influenced by pianists such as Art Tatum, Teddy Wilson, and Nat King Cole, and later by bebop musicians. Flanagan's career skyrocketed after moving to New York in 1956, as he quickly recorded with jazz legends like Miles Davis and Sonny Rollins. He later became Ella Fitzgerald's full-time accompanist and worked with her for a total of thirteen years. Flanagan's elegant playing style earned him praise, particularly in trio settings. Throughout his 45-year recording career, he released over three dozen albums as a leader and appeared on more than 200 as a sideman.