Jazz singer Sir George Shearing dies at 91British-born jazz great Sir George Shearing has died at the age of 91.George ShearingLynn Redgrave and George Shearing at an Arts and Entertainment Network Party in New York 7:00AM GMT 15 Feb 2011The pianist, who has been blind since birth, is noted for writing the standard Lullaby of Birdland, as well as leading his own quintet for decades.His manager Dale Sheets said the musician, based in New York for more than 60 years, died today from congestive heart failure.Among the array of talents with whom he worked were Nat King Cole, Mel Torme, Peggy Lee and Sarah Vaughan.The London-born star - the youngest of nine children - found his first professional work as a pub pianist collecting tips in a box on top of the piano.Sir George built a name for himself, appearing on BBC broadcasts and backing Stephane Grapelli, before moving to the US in 1947 where his career went from strength to strength.Two years later he formed his quintet and scored a huge hit with the record September In The Rain.His Lullaby of Birdland - named after the New York jazz club - was written in 1952.Sir George, who lived in New York since 1978, played for three US presidents as well as the Queen.He was given a lifetime achievement honour at the BBC Jazz Awards in 2003 and collected his knighthood from Buckingham Palace in 2007.He was still performing into his 80s but suffered a fall in 2004 which led to a lengthy period of hospital care.
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