yes yes! When I was 11yrs old I started private piano lessons by a black woman teacher in neighborhood. I learned to read and play quite well, and even participated in Theralds Piano festivals. Out of 100 kids I could count the little black kids involved on my hand. Only a few were little black girls like me. I had NEVER heard of any black woman pianist until I grew up and went online. Blew my mind! I had learned about the great white composers during my piano lessons and was intrigued by Mozart's music.
What a HOOT she was! REAL talent, a boatload of piano skills, and CHARACTER to burn! Altogether, one heck of an entertainer. We just don't see 'em like this any more.
a prodigy of course, but her off-hand virtuosity hid an artist of the first order - her music rewards concentration and repeated listening. glad i caught her a few times live - unforgettable - a fan for life instantly.
And I well imagine she smashed through some racial and gender barriers through sheer talent and will alone. I would love to hear more about that. . . I love how she hums to herself while singing. . .
We nearly all know Liberace, how come this absolutely fabulous, out of this world lady is not known more widely? This is just unbelievable at the piano! Thank you ms Donegan.
Being Black and Being a woman were often things that kept this amazing woman from where she should be. If I remember correctly she started off as a classical pianist but because she was Black and a woman they basically pushed her put of that space,so she moved on to Jazz....
I had the honor of playing guitar with her when she was given an honorary doctorate from University of Md Eastern Shore. I was in total Aw when she played Misty!!!! I have never made a face of shock before until I heard her play!!! Im glad I was in her presence and able to play with her!! A Total Gem!!
Dorothy was my dear friend. I miss her so much. I sang with her at the Playboy Jazz Festival. I did God Bless the Child. IF anyone has a copy of that performance, please post it. I would love to see it and remember the great times we spent together. She was not only according to former President Bill Clinton and Leanord Feathers the jazz pianist of the 20th Century. She a was truly the best. We still love you Dorothy.
Dorothy is my cousin as well. My Grandma's maiden name was Donegan. We've had the chance to see her live. Sadly, I talked to her the day before she passed.
I've just come across her, and I'm blown away by her talent and musical abilities. She has the ability to match any of today's virtuosos without difficulty. Spectacular. Thanks for sharing.
I remember attending a master class of Dorothy Donegan at my school, Manhattan School of Music, and she certainly had plenty of technique (she spun off a couple of Chopin etudes upon request of McPartland) and could demonstrate very ably a multiplicity of jazz styles. She impressed me as being primarily a super showman (that is a compliment) who happened to be a terrific pianist.
I have to admit that I’m totally smitten by Dorothy’s and her piano music. I just can’t get enough of her. You know and appreciate a professional, who knows her craft and instrument so well. And who’s heart is so big that she invites everyone to share with her. In a special moment in time. Thank you Dorothy Donegan greatly appreciated.
At 70yo, what a powerhouse, with bucketloads of talent and musicality... Oh I forgot showmanship! I love her Chanel cap. That inferal left hand at 3:47 respect!!!
Like Oscar Peterson, Dorothy Donegan was an Art Tatum protege ( "birds of a feather..."). Fittingly, Peterson and Donegan were the two greatest pianist in jazz since their common mentor. Some say Donegan even surpassed Tatum in skill. True or not, only with regard to her (maybe Peterson) could such a claim be made and not be laughed at. Like Tatum, she could just as well have been a classical pianist of the highest order. What's really remarkable is how this brilliant artist remains so obscure.
I was the engineer on a couple of shows with Dorothy in the late 1980's at private events for the High Point Furniture market. Dorothy was one of the best artists I ever worked with. Incredible talent and truly a great performer.
I saw her perform in Philadelphia & was completely amazed by her playing! She is probably one of the most underated jazz pianists and least known. Author of "Compendium of Over 2000 Jazz Pianists"
I was raised with my mom playing Hazel Scott. I'm in awe of the speed these women are capable of doing and am memorizing some passages just to get through them.
i love this lady shes my grt grt grt grt auntie and iam only 10yr olds and my cousin over here freaking out like seriously she sounds so good !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! love u auntie rip
There is nothing to say, except how sensational, unique, hilarious, wonderful, skilful, gifted, is our Dorothy. A talent that was suppressed by the times, her attitudes, the racial insolent stupidity, the suppression of women, the discounting of jazz which is the real ART and only one of our times.., what is sick in US that this nearly was never to emerge??? Dorothy, then c. 71, remains a most overlooked, under-estimated, eternal artist. AND, I can imagine a huge queue with Bach, Liszt, Chopin, Mozart, Rachmaninov, let alone the Tatum era greats, just ROARING, clapping, talking, enthusing, encouraging and feeling the great teamwork and talented occasion. What a fellowship there is in these artists, who give us what we could never imagine, realise, out here....
To those who think that classical music is tops in virtuoso piano playing here is prove that jazz is as virtuoso as cassical music and overall original.. and spontaneous
She was great,our. Piano tuner gave me her phone number but I never used it ,and she passed on,which was a drag.. for moderate tempo stride with the tenths she was as good as it gets .. I'm happy she played the white house,she certainly deserved it . And she also has a great personality and humor... I loved this video . .
I saw her 3 times in Los Angeles in the 90s. In cabaret venues & she would move thru the audience & chat with people between numbers. Incredible pianist & ability....I asked her if I could "touch" her hands & she agreed....It didnt help me!
A growing feeling of sadness and regret having missed the chance to live in a period when such talented and passionate artists existed. Maybe Keith Jarret is a good pianist, but this Lady..I love her!!!!!!
Dorothy and Mary Lou Williams were both outstanding Stride players . Both " paid their dues " and worked hard to achieve perfection on the keyboard! 😂😅❤❤
This lady was one of the greatest pianist-performers of all time. Her skills on the instrument were hard to match. Check out more of her videos and you will seen how great she was,
Oh My God---Masterful! What a most talented woman, shattering all myths about women like so many other women have done. Thank God for blessing us with such a gifted woman.
DD graduated from DuSable High School in Chicago and I remember her coming to the school when I attended. Easily one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time.
So amazing..., I had seen old clips of her playing a white baby grand when I was much younger, probably when I was in my late 20's. So wonderfully gifted & this clip just astonished me ...,it brings tears of Joy.....😂
Amazing pianist. She should have been embraced by the public just like Liberace, but because of her race and gender she was not. I am glad she appeared to happy in her later years. God bless her.
Rachmaninoff, Gershwin, As time goes by.... she's the Robert Heinlein of pianists. A ton of other Jazz musicians quoted as well... Who even is this woman???? I love her music, her fervor, and her talent. She's an inspiration.
Let's say in some twisted parallel universe there is another me that exists and this 'me' happened to be so good at the instrument that it got him invited to the White House to play. I assure you, that parallel universe 'me' would be playing it very 'safe'. Damn; she tore the house down, it's as if 'careful' wasn't in her vocabulary.
WOW. How come I never heard of this great pianist before? Probably because of the male bias in music and the limited presence of women in jazz. That's sad because she is incredible, especially considering that she was 71 then. Incredible chops and style. Bill sure was loving it. The guy knows good music when he hears it and this is Really the Real thing. They don't make 'em like this anymore.
Hiromi, another Erroll Garner acolyte, is the only other woman who combines classical chops with incredible stage presence. Hiromi's faster and a real composer, but Dorothy did it first. Check her out on youtube. Search "Hiromi Marciac"
ju hintao Hiromi usually gets compared to Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson (who co-signed her before his death and to whom she dedicated one of her best works). So okay, I will cease comparing her to DD.
It is said that Tatum (God) said that Donegan was the only pianist that could make him practice. She destroyed that Baldwin just as well as Art would have.
black people, please teach your children about your great heritage and great accomplishments
I've got it covered, trust me.👍
yes yes! When I was 11yrs old I started private piano lessons by a black woman teacher in neighborhood. I learned to read and play quite well, and even participated in Theralds Piano festivals. Out of 100 kids I could count the little black kids involved on my hand. Only a few were little black girls like me. I had NEVER heard of any black woman pianist until I grew up and went online. Blew my mind! I had learned about the great white composers during my piano lessons and was intrigued by Mozart's music.
It is absolutely criminal that she never got the recognition she deserved!! So sad!!! I’m a pianist and I love her sooooooo much! Sooooo inspiring!!!!
I am proud to call this fabulous pianist my cousin! I've never heard anyone like her. She was so warm and funny. I wish I had more time with her!
What a HOOT she was! REAL talent, a boatload of piano skills, and CHARACTER to burn! Altogether, one heck of an entertainer. We just don't see 'em like this any more.
a prodigy of course, but her off-hand virtuosity hid an artist of the first order - her music rewards concentration and repeated listening. glad i caught her a few times live - unforgettable - a fan for life instantly.
Wow. I love the shows she gave in the 40s with the famous dancer / singer.
And I well imagine she smashed through some racial and gender barriers through sheer talent and will alone. I would love to hear more about that. . .
I love how she hums to herself while singing. . .
What about ms Scott that study during her child hood and could play 2 pianos at the same time
Dorothy was my neighbor in Los Angeles and she was quite a character. We loved her!
We nearly all know Liberace, how come this absolutely fabulous, out of this world lady is not known more widely? This is just unbelievable at the piano! Thank you ms Donegan.
Because America is filled with dopes who have no taste.
Being Black and Being a woman were often things that kept this amazing woman from where she should be. If I remember correctly she started off as a classical pianist but because she was Black and a woman they basically pushed her put of that space,so she moved on to Jazz....
I had the honor of playing guitar with her when she was given an honorary doctorate from University of Md Eastern Shore. I was in total Aw when she played Misty!!!!
I have never made a face of shock before until I heard her play!!!
Im glad I was in her presence and able to play with her!!
A Total Gem!!
Dorothy was my dear friend. I miss her so much. I sang with her at the Playboy Jazz Festival. I did God Bless the Child. IF anyone has a copy of that performance, please post it. I would love to see it and remember the great times we spent together. She was not only according to former President Bill Clinton and Leanord Feathers the jazz pianist of the 20th Century. She a was truly the best. We still love you Dorothy.
Dorothy is my cousin as well. My Grandma's maiden name was Donegan. We've had the chance to see her live. Sadly, I talked to her the day before she passed.
I've just come across her, and I'm blown away by her talent and musical abilities. She has the ability to match any of today's virtuosos without difficulty. Spectacular. Thanks for sharing.
I remember attending a master class of Dorothy Donegan at my school, Manhattan School of Music, and she certainly had plenty of technique (she spun off a couple of Chopin etudes upon request of McPartland) and could demonstrate very ably a multiplicity of jazz styles. She impressed me as being primarily a super showman (that is a compliment) who happened to be a terrific pianist.
Jonathan Baker Marian McPartland! Another great piano talent and NPR treasure.
Of course it was during the Clinton presidency!
I have to admit that I’m totally smitten by Dorothy’s and her piano music. I just can’t get enough of her. You know and appreciate a professional, who knows her craft and instrument so well. And who’s heart is so big that she invites everyone to share with her. In a special moment in time. Thank you Dorothy Donegan greatly appreciated.
At 70yo, what a powerhouse, with bucketloads of talent and musicality... Oh I forgot showmanship! I love her Chanel cap. That inferal left hand at 3:47 respect!!!
*Abso-tively* (!) I commented about her left hand in another thread -- jaw-dropping
I ran jazz clubs for many years and have seen so many great pianists. That's what I thought until I saw Dorothy.
Like Oscar Peterson, Dorothy Donegan was an Art Tatum protege ( "birds of a feather..."). Fittingly, Peterson and Donegan were the two greatest pianist in jazz since their common mentor. Some say Donegan even surpassed Tatum in skill. True or not, only with regard to her (maybe Peterson) could such a claim be made and not be laughed at. Like Tatum, she could just as well have been a classical pianist of the highest order. What's really remarkable is how this brilliant artist remains so obscure.
I was the engineer on a couple of shows with Dorothy in the late 1980's at private events for the High Point Furniture market. Dorothy was one of the best artists I ever worked with. Incredible talent and truly a great performer.
I saw her perform in Philadelphia & was completely amazed by her playing! She is probably one of the most underated jazz pianists and least known.
Author of "Compendium of Over 2000 Jazz Pianists"
Dorothy was a genius and the best piano player I have ever heard.
Hazel Scott was crazy awesome too
I was raised with my mom playing Hazel Scott. I'm in awe of the speed these women are capable of doing and am memorizing some passages just to get through them.
Thank you
i love this lady shes my grt grt grt grt auntie and iam only 10yr olds and my cousin over here freaking out like seriously she sounds so good !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! love u auntie rip
Just fantastic! I loved listening to Ms. Donegan play the piano! Brava! 🎹🎶🎵🎼💗
She was INCREDIBLE!!!!
There is nothing to say, except how sensational, unique, hilarious, wonderful, skilful, gifted, is our Dorothy. A talent that was suppressed by the times, her attitudes, the racial insolent stupidity, the suppression of women, the discounting of jazz which is the real ART and only one of our times.., what is sick in US that this nearly was never to emerge??? Dorothy, then c. 71, remains a most overlooked, under-estimated, eternal artist. AND, I can imagine a huge queue with Bach, Liszt, Chopin, Mozart, Rachmaninov, let alone the Tatum era greats, just ROARING, clapping, talking, enthusing, encouraging and feeling the great teamwork and talented occasion. What a fellowship there is in these artists, who give us what we could never imagine, realise, out here....
Pretty much how I picture heaven.......Brava!
To those who think that classical music is tops in virtuoso piano playing here is prove that jazz is as virtuoso as cassical music and overall original.. and spontaneous
A new meaning for what I call " ARTISTE " Thank you.
She was great,our. Piano tuner gave me her phone number but I never used it ,and she passed on,which was a drag.. for moderate tempo stride with the tenths she was as good as it gets .. I'm happy she played the white house,she certainly deserved it . And she also has a great personality and humor... I loved this video . .
I saw her 3 times in Los Angeles in the 90s. In cabaret venues & she would move thru the audience & chat with people between numbers. Incredible pianist & ability....I asked her if I could "touch" her hands & she agreed....It didnt help me!
All I can say, is just simply marvelous!🤗
Talent doesn't come along like this very often IF EVER!!
Dorothy was the equivalent of a musical hurricane. When she got through with you there wasn't much left.
A growing feeling of sadness and regret having missed the chance to live in a period when such talented and passionate artists existed. Maybe Keith Jarret is a good pianist, but this Lady..I love her!!!!!!
Keith’s not Dorothy ❤
Dorothy and Mary Lou Williams were both outstanding Stride players . Both " paid their dues " and worked hard to achieve perfection on the keyboard! 😂😅❤❤
This lady was one of the greatest pianist-performers of all time. Her skills on the instrument were hard to match. Check out more of her videos and you will seen how great she was,
Agreed! Amazing pianist.
This was my criend for more than 4 years
Dorothy Donegan was very good masterly jazz pianist Lady. Thank you for very interesting video clip.
I accompanied Dorothy
Donegan , a dear friend,
To the White House, and was so proud .
WOW SHE WAS SOMETHING!!!
Staggering virtuosity!
What incredible skill and talent!
Exceptional! RIP Ms. Donegan.
Great video of this fantastic jazz musician
Oh My God---Masterful! What a most talented woman, shattering all myths about women like so many other women have done. Thank God for blessing us with such a gifted woman.
One of the great masters of the keyboard. Thanks for posting this clip!
DD graduated from DuSable High School in Chicago and I remember her coming to the school when I attended. Easily one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time.
So amazing..., I had seen old clips of her playing a white baby grand when I was much younger, probably when I was in my late 20's. So wonderfully gifted & this clip just astonished me ...,it brings tears of Joy.....😂
La amo,ella es uno de esos genios únicos que antes de nacer ya tocaban el piano❤😂
Isn't she magnificent .. and those key changes - on such light fingers. Never seen anything like it .
I'm proud of her too , and she is here with us doing that thing we love so much do do do
One of a kind, that is simply wonderful..really moving in the jazzwardly direction!!!!
What a trip seeing this video. Had never heard of her before. Sure will lok for more of her. Amazing pianist.
Also lots of gratitude come from her piano tuner
I'm saddened that at 57 years of age, I only learned about this woman this evening.
wonderful!
I enjoyed so much her way of improvising
Just now and again YT introduces me to to absolute genius!
Like no other!! Dorothy was GREAT!
Most amazing!
I count myself lucky having seen her live in DC twice, what charisma! what a player...Thanks very much for sharing this rare glimpse!
N.
Sri Lanka
FABULOUS !
She is a genius. Breath taking talent. BRAVA!
Amazing pianist. She should have been embraced by the public just like Liberace, but because of her race and gender she was not. I am glad she appeared to happy in her later years. God bless her.
So beautiful.
XSuper lady... love the cap...
She was always amazing!!
Those hands have memory of their own
fantastic talent!
The best 😊
Damn good. More please
THE BEST!!! WOW
Brit here. Jazz fan. I came across DD only in the last half hour. I am ashamed! (Also like Valerie Washington)
Wow!
Left and right hand independence.........insane!!
FAB!
I've always wished I could play like that.
I'm speechless....
Amazing!!!!!
Rachmaninoff, Gershwin, As time goes by.... she's the Robert Heinlein of pianists. A ton of other Jazz musicians quoted as well... Who even is this woman???? I love her music, her fervor, and her talent. She's an inspiration.
EXCELLENT
She was great!
such an amazing pianist..¡
What a talent
Awesome woman!
Impresionante talento
Yesss now that was the real Dorothy Donegan.
incredible
Awesome
Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!
I understand vwhy President Bill Clinton loved her Essence and Style, creativity at its depiction of Finnese 😊😅🎉🎉❤
THE RACHMANINOV INTRO was SUPERRRBBBB MY GOSH! hahahaahha GENIUS
BAD. ASS.
She is the greatest pianist I happened to be listening to at 5:46 PM CST on 7/15/23 and beyond that forget it!!!!!!!!!!
Let's say in some twisted parallel universe there is another me that exists and this 'me' happened to be so good at the instrument that it got him invited to the White House to play. I assure you, that parallel universe 'me' would be playing it very 'safe'. Damn; she tore the house down, it's as if 'careful' wasn't in her vocabulary.
What amusing moaning!! Love it
I thought Art Tatum was the greatest jazz piano player but she gives him a run for the money.
He once said that she was the only student he had who made him feel like he needed to practise more! (something like that)
wow
WOW. How come I never heard of this great pianist before? Probably because of the male bias in music and the limited presence of women in jazz. That's sad because she is incredible, especially considering that she was 71 then. Incredible chops and style. Bill sure was loving it. The guy knows good music when he hears it and this is Really the Real thing. They don't make 'em like this anymore.
Seems almost like she wanted to have a pedalboard in addition to the regular piano keyboard . . . .
madooooooooooooo'
Now that she's gone...who else plays like that?
NO ONE WILL EVER PLAY LIKE HER..SHE IS ONE OF A KIND LIKE ERROLL GARNER.
Hiromi, another Erroll Garner acolyte, is the only other woman who combines classical chops with incredible stage presence. Hiromi's faster and a real composer, but Dorothy did it first. Check her out on youtube. Search "Hiromi Marciac"
@@aquamarine99911 comparing Hiromi with Dorothy Donegan is like comparing the wig of Trump with a lion's mane. Get the @$$%% out here.
ju hintao Hiromi usually gets compared to Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson (who co-signed her before his death and to whom she dedicated one of her best works). So okay, I will cease comparing her to DD.
www.stlmag.com/culture/Jazz-Piano-Wizards/
Uehara has something of her genius...
It is said that Tatum (God) said that Donegan was the only pianist that could make him practice.
She destroyed that Baldwin just as well as Art would have.
She reminds me of Harpo.
I’d say she’s more similar to Chico 🎹
@@JenniferOzak maybe ;-)