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Three of Your Favorite Jazz Pianists were Born in August: Let's Celebrate!

Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, and Count Basie, three of your most essential jazz artists, have birthdays in August.

What are some exciting events that have happened in the month of August? In 1620, the Mayflower set sail from Southampton, England with 102 Pilgrims. In 1866, President Andrew Johnson declared the U.S. Civil War over, and in 1896, gold was first discovered in the Klondike. And in jazz history? Three of the most renowned pianists were born.

Oscar Peterson on August 15, 1925, Bill Evans on August 16, 1929, and Count Basie on August 21, 1904.

Three heavy hitters with such close birthdays is cause for celebration here at WRTI! So, during jazz hours, at the top and bottom of each hour on their birthdays, we'll play a tune from each artist. That’s Tuesday night for Oscar, Wednesday night for Mr. Evans, and the following Monday night for “The Kid From Red Bank.”

Also, keep an ear out for special Arts Desk features on each of the birthday boys!

For more on these jazz greats: 

Oscar Peterson, The Wonderful Wizard Of The Piano!

The Surprising Influence of J.S. Bach on Jazz Great Bill Evans

The Story About How Count Basie Got His Name