Earl Kenneth Hines, known as Earl "Fatha" Hines, was born on December 28, 1903, in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, and passed away on April 22, 1983, in Oakland, California. He was a pioneering American jazz pianist and bandleader whose innovative style significantly influenced the development of jazz piano. Hines was born into a musical family; his father was a cornet player and bandleader, and his stepmother was a church organist. Although he initially intended to play the cornet like his father, he switched to piano because "blowing" hurt him behind the ears.

Hines began his professional career at 17, playing piano with Lois Deppe's band in Pittsburgh. He later moved to Chicago, where he became a key figure in the city's vibrant jazz scene. In the mid-1920s, Hines collaborated with Louis Armstrong, joining his band and participating in several groundbreaking recordings, including the famous "Weatherbird" duet. Hines's "trumpet style" of piano playing, characterized by single-note solo lines and a forceful touch, set a new standard for jazz pianists and influenced future generations, including Bud Powell and Oscar Peterson.

In the late 1920s, Hines formed his own big band, which became the house band at Chicago's Grand Terrace Ballroom. This ensemble was known for its ensemble unity and rhythm, and its performances were broadcast to millions via radio. In the early 1940s, Hines led a West Coast band that included bebop pioneers like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.

After a period of playing with Louis Armstrong's All Stars and performing Dixieland on the West Coast, Hines experienced a resurgence in the 1960s. His performances and recordings during this period, such as the albums "Spontaneous Explorations" and "Legendary Little Theatre Concert," renewed his critical and popular acclaim. Hines continued to perform with remarkable technique and creativity until his death, leaving a lasting legacy as one of jazz's most influential pianists.