Tommy Flanagan
One of Jazz’s Unsung Greats, Born March 16, 1930
Today is the day, the late jazz pianist, Tommy Flanagan was born. March 16, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan. He died November 16, 2001. Born just about one month or so before my late father, and died, just a few days after my father died in November 2001, as well.
They lived the same era. The music. The struggle. The camraderie of Black America.
Flanagan always has been one of my favorite piano players. I love the unsung heroes of music. The guys who don’t spend their time screaming at the world to “hey, look over here, at me.” Flanagan didn’t. He just put in that work, and it was great work, and let that speak. People came running to hear.
Upon his death, the New York Times called Flanagan “a quiet man” and an “elegant pianist.” This is testimony to his excellence.
Flanagan learned his trade in Detroit with Betty Carter and the Jones Brothers — Elvin, Hank, and Thad and so many others. Taking music lessons, playing in bands, and then he began serving as the house pianist at the legendary, Blue Bird Inn, one of Detroit’s most famous jazz venues.
