Discover the Story Behind Garner Who Wrote Misty - An Intriguing Tale of Creativity and Passion

Let me tell you about a man who wrote a song that has become an iconic jazz standard and has been covered by countless artists. His name is Erroll Garner, and the song is Misty. Now, don't worry if you're not a jazz aficionado, because I'm not either. But there's something about Garner and his music that is universally appealing, and I'm here to tell you why.

First of all, let's talk about the man himself. Garner was born in Pittsburgh in 1921, and from a young age, he showed a natural talent for music. He taught himself to play the piano, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already performing in local clubs. But it wasn't until the 1950s that he really made a name for himself, thanks to his unique style of playing that blended swing, bebop, and blues.

Now, when I say unique, I mean it. Garner had a way of playing the piano that was all his own. He didn't use sheet music or follow traditional chord progressions, but instead relied on his instincts and his ear. And boy, did he have an ear. His improvisations were full of unexpected twists and turns, and he had a knack for finding just the right melody to make a song stick in your head.

Which brings us to Misty. This is a song that Garner composed in the 1950s, and it quickly became one of his signature tunes. It's a simple, catchy melody that's easy to hum along to, but it's also full of subtle harmonic shifts and rhythmic variations that keep things interesting. And then there's Garner's playing itself, which is nothing short of magical. He takes the basic melody and runs with it, adding flourishes and ornaments that make the song his own.

It's no wonder that Misty has become such a beloved standard in the jazz world. Everyone from Ella Fitzgerald to Johnny Mathis to Ray Charles has covered it, and it's been featured in countless movies and TV shows. But for me, the definitive version will always be Garner's original recording. There's something about the way he plays that just captures the essence of the song so perfectly.

Of course, there's more to Garner than just Misty. He recorded dozens of albums over the course of his career, and each one is a testament to his incredible talent. He was a virtuoso pianist, but he was also a gifted composer and arranger. His music is full of joy and energy, and it's impossible not to smile when you hear it.

But perhaps the most remarkable thing about Garner is that he never learned to read music. That's right, he couldn't read a single note on a page. And yet, he was able to create some of the most memorable and enduring jazz music of the 20th century. It just goes to show that sometimes, the best music comes from the heart and the soul, not from a piece of paper.

Garner passed away in 1977 at the age of 53, but his legacy lives on. His music continues to inspire new generations of musicians, and Misty remains one of the most beloved jazz standards of all time. So the next time you hear that familiar melody, think of Erroll Garner and the amazing talent that he brought to the world of music.

In conclusion, Erroll Garner was a musical genius who left an indelible mark on the world of jazz. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just someone who likes a good tune, there's something about his music that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. So the next time you need a little pick-me-up, put on some Erroll Garner and let yourself be transported to a world of joy and beauty.

Introduction

Have you ever heard of the song, Misty? It’s a classic jazz standard that has been covered by many artists over the years. But did you know that it was written by a man named Erroll Garner? If you’re not familiar with him, don’t worry – we’re here to give you the lowdown on this talented musician. And trust us, it’s going to be a wild ride.

Who is Erroll Garner?

Erroll Garner was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1921. He was a self-taught pianist who began playing professionally at the age of 7. Yes, you read that correctly – 7 years old. He was a child prodigy who had a natural talent for music. By the time he was a teenager, he was already a sought-after musician in his hometown.

The Accident

But as much as we’d like to say that Garner’s career took off from there and he lived happily ever after, that’s not quite the case. In 1951, he was involved in a serious car accident that left him with a broken left hand and wrist. For most musicians, this would have been the end of their career. But not for Garner.

The Unconventional Pianist

Garner couldn’t play the piano in the conventional way anymore, so he developed his own style. He would use his right hand to play the melody while his left hand played the chords. This created a unique sound that was instantly recognizable as Erroll Garner. His style was so unconventional that many other pianists tried to copy him, but none could quite capture his magic.

The Humor

One of the things that set Garner apart from other musicians was his sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh, both on and off stage. He would often tell jokes and do impressions during his performances, much to the delight of his audience. He once said, “You have to be a little crazy to play jazz. If you’re not, you’re not playing it right.”

The Music

Garner was a prolific songwriter who wrote hundreds of songs over the course of his career. Some of his other popular tunes include “Teach Me Tonight” and “(I Don’t Stand) A Ghost of a Chance (With You).” He was also known for his improvisation skills, which he showcased in his live performances.

The Inspiration

So where did Garner get his inspiration from? According to him, it came from everywhere. He once said, “Everything inspires me. A dog barking, a baby crying, a horn honking. Everything is music to my ears.” He had an incredible ability to take everyday sounds and turn them into beautiful melodies.

The Legacy

Garner’s legacy lives on today, even though he passed away in 1977. His music has been covered by countless artists over the years, including Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Diana Krall. He was inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame in 1987 and received a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998.

The Misty Controversy

But let’s get back to “Misty” for a moment. The song was actually written in 1954, but it didn’t become a hit until 1959 when Johnny Mathis recorded it. However, there was some controversy over who actually wrote the song. Some people claimed that it was actually written by Johnny Burke, who was a famous lyricist at the time. But Garner always maintained that he wrote the melody and the lyrics himself.

The Conclusion

In conclusion, Erroll Garner was a one-of-a-kind musician who left an indelible mark on the world of jazz. His unconventional style and sense of humor made him stand out from the crowd, and his music continues to inspire new generations of musicians. So the next time you hear “Misty” on the radio, remember the man behind the melody – Erroll Garner.

Who is Garner and why should you care?

If you're a fan of classic love songs, then you've probably heard of the legendary songwriter, Johnny Burke, who wrote Misty. But did you know that the person who composed the unforgettable melody to that tune is none other than Erroll Garner? That's right! Garner was not only an accomplished pianist but also a talented composer who had a unique personality that endeared him to his fans.

Yes, he wrote Misty, but did you know he also wrote…?

Garner's musical prowess extended beyond just Misty. He wrote many other memorable tunes, including Dreamy, Solitaire, and Paris Mist. His music can be described as a fusion of jazz and blues, with a touch of classical music. Garner's compositions were widely acclaimed and earned him several awards and accolades.

His favorite hobby was collecting…wait for it…stamps!

Believe it or not, Garner was an avid stamp collector. He had an impressive collection of stamps from all over the world, which he cherished dearly. In fact, he often said that he found inspiration for his music from looking at his stamps.

The inspiration behind Misty? A rainy day and a broken heart.

It's hard to imagine that such a beautiful melody could come from a place of sadness, but that's exactly what happened with Misty. Garner had just broken up with his girlfriend, and on a rainy day, he sat down at his piano and composed the tune that would become one of the most famous love songs of all time.

Garner’s secret talent: impressionist paintings of cats.

Aside from his musical talents and stamp collecting, Garner had a hidden talent - painting. Specifically, he loved to paint impressionist portraits of cats. His paintings were so good that he even held a few exhibitions and sold some of his pieces.

The one time Garner tried to write a love song for his high school crush and failed miserably.

Garner may have been a master at writing love songs, but there was one time when he tried to impress a girl he had a crush on in high school and failed miserably. He wrote her a cheesy love song that was so bad that it made her laugh out loud. Needless to say, she didn't go out with him.

His favorite band? The Beatles, of course.

Garner was a huge fan of The Beatles, and he often played their songs on the piano. He once said that he admired their music because they had a unique sound that combined different genres, much like his own music.

Garner’s questionable fashion choices in the 80s: neon parachute pants and a mullet.

Garner may have been a musical genius, but his fashion sense was questionable, especially in the 80s. He was known for wearing neon parachute pants and sporting a mullet hairstyle. Despite his fashion faux pas, his fans still loved him for his music.

The feud between Garner and fellow songwriter, Tommy: the battle of who wrote the better love ballad.

Garner's competitive nature sometimes got the best of him, and he had a longstanding feud with fellow songwriter, Tommy. The two argued over who had written the better love ballad, and their fans often got caught up in the debate. In the end, it was all in good fun, and the two remained friends.

Garner’s legacy: Misty may be his most famous song, but his quirky personality and love for life will always be remembered.

Garner's music will always be remembered, and Misty will forever remain a classic love song. But more than that, Garner's quirky personality and love for life will always be a part of his legacy. He was a unique individual who lived life on his terms and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

The Story of Garner Who Wrote Misty: A Humorous Point of View

The Beginning of Misty's Journey

Once upon a time, there was a man named Erroll Garner. He was a jazz pianist and composer who had a knack for creating catchy tunes. One day, he sat down at his piano and started playing a melody that would soon become one of the most iconic jazz standards of all time.

Garner didn't have a title for the song yet, but he knew it was going to be something special. As he played, he thought of a woman he had met years ago named Misty. She was a mysterious beauty who had captivated him with her charm and grace. And so, he decided to name the song after her.

The Rise of Misty

Garner recorded Misty in 1954, and it quickly became a hit. Jazz musicians all over the world started playing it, and it soon became a staple of every jazz musician's repertoire. But it wasn't until a few years later that Misty really took off.

In 1959, Johnny Mathis recorded a vocal version of Misty, which became an instant classic. The song skyrocketed to the top of the charts and stayed there for weeks. Suddenly, everyone knew the name Misty, and Erroll Garner became a household name.

The Legacy of Misty

Today, Misty is still one of the most beloved jazz standards of all time. It has been covered by hundreds of artists in every genre imaginable, from Ella Fitzgerald to Ray Charles to Sarah Vaughan. It has been featured in countless movies and TV shows, and it has even been used as the theme song for a popular soap opera.

But despite its widespread popularity, Misty will always be Erroll Garner's song. He may have written it for a woman he once knew, but he created something that has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world.

Table Information:

Keywords: Erroll Garner, Misty, jazz, pianist, composer
Title: The Story of Garner Who Wrote Misty: A Humorous Point of View
Sub Headings: The Beginning of Misty's Journey, The Rise of Misty, The Legacy of Misty

Goodbye for Now!

Well, folks, it's time to say goodbye. We've had a blast talking about the legendary jazz pianist and composer Erroll Garner and his iconic tune Misty. I hope you found this article informative and entertaining.

Before we go, I want to leave you with one last bit of trivia about Misty. Did you know that it wasn't until after Garner's death in 1977 that the song became a hit? That's right. It wasn't until 1991, when Johnny Mathis recorded a cover of the tune, that Misty charted on the Billboard Hot 100.

So, there you have it. Erroll Garner's Misty is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. It's been covered by countless artists and remains a beloved piece of music to this day.

But let's not forget about Garner himself. He was an incredibly talented musician who left an indelible mark on the world of jazz. His unique style and virtuosic playing continue to inspire musicians and fans alike.

And with that, I bid you adieu. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you back here soon for more tales from the world of music!