George Shearing was a pioneering jazz pianist born in London in 1919 who became famous for developing his unique "Shearing Sound" characterized by block chord voicings. Some of his most popular and influential compositions include "Lullaby of Birdland" from 1952 and "Conception" from 1949. Shearing had a significant impact on bebop and cool jazz development and helped popularize jazz by collaborating with vocalists, exposing his music to wider audiences. He is remembered as a highly influential composer and pianist who helped bridge jazz with popular music.

1. GEORGE SHEARING: MUSICAL MAESTRO
Naji Chaaban

2. INTRODUCTION
• George Shearing was born on August
13,1919,in Battersea,a suburb of
London,England.
• At an early age,he displayed a natural
talent for music and began playing
the piano by ear.
• Despite being blind sincebirth,
Shearing's musical abilities
flourished,and he received formal
training at the Linden Lodge School
for the Blind
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3. INSPIRATIONS
Shearing drew inspiration from jazz legends such as Art Tatum and
Teddy Wilson, shaping his unique approach to playing
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Art Tatum Teddy Wilson

4. THE "SHEARING SOUND"
AND NOTABLE COMPOSITIONS
• George Shearing became widely known for his distinctive piano style, which came to be known as the "Shearing
Sound." This signature sound was characterized by block chord voicings, where the notes of a chord are played
simultaneously, giving the impression of a small ensemble. Shearing's harmonic ingenuity and rhythmic flair
contributed to the popularity of the Shearing Sound
• Lullaby of Birdland" (1952):The infectious melody and catchy rhythms of "Lullaby of Birdland" have made it a
beloved piece in the jazz repertoire.
• "Conception" (1949): displays Shearing's gift for composing memorable melodies and intricate harmonies. This
composition was later recorded by many prominent jazz artists, solidifying its place as a jazz classic.
George Shearing: Musical Maestro
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5. HISTORICAL IMPACT
George Shearing: Musical Maestro
5
• Shearing's work had a profound impact on the development of cool jazz and bebop. His
use of block chord voicings and intricate harmonies inspired other musicians to explore
new possibilities in jazz arranging.Shearing's influence can be heard in the music of
countless artists, including Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson,and Chick Corea.
• Shearing played a significant role in bridging the gap between jazz and popular music.
His collaborations with vocalists, such as Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole, and Mel Tormé,
brought his music to a wider audience.
• Shearing's impact extended beyond the realm of jazz as well. His compositions and
performances were often featured in movies and television shows, introducing his music
to a global audience

6. GEORGE SHEARING'S LEGACY AS A COMPOSER, PIANIST, AND TRAILBLAZER WILL
CONTINUE TO RESONATE WITH GENERATIONS TO COME, ENSURING THAT HIS
REMARKABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO MUSIC ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN.
George Shearing: Musical Maestro
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"CONCEPTION"
1950
"MISSOURI
SCRAMBLER"
1946
"LULLABY OF BIRD
LAND"
1952
"TO BE OR NOT TO
BOP"
1949

7. BRIEF TIMELINE
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AUGUST 13, 1919 1947 1949 1952 FEBRUARY 14, 2011
George shearing born in
Battersea, London,UK
George Shearing
released his first single
"Buccaneers Bounce"
under Savoy Records
George Shearing releases
his first album
"Pianology"
"lullaby of Bird Land"
Released and was his
biggest hit ever
George Shearing passes
away in New York, NY

8. THANK YOU
Naji Chaaban

9. WORK CITED
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Shearing
• https://www.discogs.com/artist/59407
• https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0790471/