The 20th century saw some of the greatest jazz pianists in history emerge, creating music that would change the genre forever. From stride pianists to bebop innovators, these musicians left a lasting impact on the world of jazz and continue to be celebrated for their contributions to the art form. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best jazz pianists of the 20th century.

1. Thelonious Monk: Widely considered one of the greatest jazz composers of all time, Thelonious Monk was known for his innovative and unorthodox approach to the piano. With a unique style that combined elements of stride, bebop, and classical music, Monk pushed the boundaries of jazz and continues to inspire musicians to this day.
2. Art Tatum: Regarded as one of the greatest virtuosos in the history of jazz, Art Tatum was known for his incredible technical proficiency and musical intuition. With a dazzling style that blended stride, classical, and gospel influences, Tatum was a true musical genius who left an indelible mark on the world of jazz.
3. Bill Evans: Known for his lyrical and introspective playing, Bill Evans was a pioneer of the “cool jazz” movement. His delicate touch and intricate chord voicings made him one of the most influential jazz pianists of the 20th century, and his music continues to be celebrated for its beauty and sophistication.
4. Oscar Peterson: One of the greatest swing pianists of all time, Oscar Peterson was known for his virtuosic technique and powerful swing style. With a career that spanned several decades, Peterson left an indelible mark on the world of jazz, and his music continues to be celebrated for its energy and excitement.
5. Herbie Hancock: One of the most innovative jazz pianists of the 20th century, Herbie Hancock was known for his eclectic style and genre-defying approach to music. With a career that has spanned several decades, Hancock has left an indelible mark on the world of jazz, and his music continues to be celebrated for its creativity and vision.

These are just a few of the many great jazz pianists of the 20th century. With their innovative styles, technical proficiency, and musical intuition, these musicians left an indelible mark on the world of jazz and continue to inspire musicians and fans to this day.