The blind British pianist—who played for most of his 91 years—is lauded for his classically influenced harmonies and the melody-doubling "locked-hands" style he picked up from an R&B organist. Shearing was both a bebopper, as heard in 1950's "Jumpin' With Symphony Sid", and a memorable melodist, as demonstrated in hit singles like "Lullaby of Birdland" and "September in the Rain". He wound down his career in intimate duo settings with sympathetic singers like Mel Tormé and pianists like Michael Feingold ("You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me").