Paw Prints Anecdotes: George Shearing

Paw Prints Anecdotes

Short, humorous stories about people
in politics, history, and the arts.

George Shearing
(1919– )

Anecdote 1...

Asked by an admirer whether he had been blind all his life, Shearing replied. "Not yet."

Anecdote 2...

One afternoon, at rush hour, Shearing was waiting at a busy intersection for someone to take him across the street when another blind man tapped him on the shoulder and asked if Shearing would mind helping him to get across.

"What could I do?" said Shearing afterward. "I took him across and it was the biggest thrill of my life."

Biographical Note...

British-born, U.S. jazz pianist, arranger and composer. Blind from birth, he made his name in British jazz clubs before settling in the United States in 1947. His compositions include the jazz standard "Lullaby of Birdland" (1945). His autobiography, Lullaby of Birdland was published by Continuum in February 2005. In 2006 the honour of Knighthood was conferred upon him by Queen Elizabeth II.

More Information...

Visit George Shearing's web site for a brief biography, discography and news about this talented musician.

We welcome your comments and suggestions.

top of page

Select an Anecdote