Grammy Award Winner George Shearing Dies at 91

Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist Sir George Shearing has died at age 91, according to published reports.

Shearing, who was born blind in England, had great success in his native country before moving to the U.S. in 1947. He formed his quintet in 1949 and their first huge hit was “September in the Rain.” In 1952, he wrote and recorded “Lullaby of Birdland.”

He continued to work steadily for over 50 years, and his many collaborators included Nat “King” Cole, Mel Torme, Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, Billy Eckstine, and John Pizzarelli.

His many honors included being named an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II, whom she later knighted in 2007

He is survived by his wife, the former Ellie Geffert, and a daughter, Wendy.