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The correct answer is Tommy Flanagan!

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photo courtesy Brian McMillen

Tommy Flanagan; New York, 1983

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The pianist Tommy Flanagan grew up in Detroit and moved to New York in 1956, where he recorded on important recordings with, among many others, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane.  In 1962 he became Ella Fitzgerald’s full-time accompanist, and worked with her until 1965.  He returned as her pianist and musical director in 1968, filling those roles until 1978, when he recorded over thirty recordings as leader, and over 200 as a sideman.  His elegant style was originally influenced by the pianists Art Tatum, Teddy Wilson, and Nat King Cole.

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Click here for a complete biography on Flanagan’s Wikipedia page

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Watch a 1965 film of Ella Fitzgerald singing “Misty” (with Tommy Flanagan on piano)

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Play another Jazz History Quiz!

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