From the BBC:

Anglo-American jazz pianist Sir George Shearing, best known for his song Lullaby of Birdland, has died in New York aged 91 of heart failure.

Blind from birth, he began his career in London before moving to the US in 1947 and becoming one of the best known jazz pianists of the post-war era.

Made an OBE in 1996 and knighted in 2007, he was renowned for his unusual “locked hands” style of playing.

Nat King Cole and Peggy Lee were among the music stars he worked with.

Sir George played for three US presidents as well as the Queen and led his own quintet for decades.

He was still performing into his 80s but suffered a serious fall in 2004 that led to months in hospital and nursing home care.

The previous year he had received a lifetime achievement honour at the BBC Jazz awards.

At the time of his knighthood, Sir George spoke fondly of his early years “playing in a pub for the equivalent of $5 a week”.

“Receiving such an honour as a knighthood might also show young people what can be achieved in life if one learns his craft and follows his dreams,” he added.

A sad day for Jazz – on earth, at least.