Michel Petrucciani

Michel Petrucciani (December 28, 1962, Orange, France - January 6, 1999, Manhattan), Jazz pianist.

Related Topics:
December 28 - 1962 - Orange, France - January 6 - 1999 - Manhattan - Jazz

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Michel Petrucciani came from a Franco-Italian family of a musical background. He was born with osteogenesis imperfecta which is a genetic condition that causes brittle bones and in his case short stature. It is also often linked to pulmonary ailments. In certain respects though he considered it an advantage as it got rid of distractions, like sports, that other boys tended to become involved in.

Related Topics:
Osteogenesis imperfecta - Genetic condition - Pulmonary

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At an early age he became enthusiastic about the works of Duke Ellington and wished to become a pianist like him. Although he trained for a years as a classical pianist jazz remained his interest. He had his first professional concern at 13. At this point in his life he was still quite fragile so had to be carried to and from the piano. In general his size meant that he required aids to reach the piano's pedals, but his hands were average in length. By age 18 he helped form a successful trio. He moved to the US in 1982. In the US he is credited with leading Charles Lloyd to resume playing actively and also played with diverse figures in the US jazz scene including Dizzy Gillespie.

Related Topics:
Duke Ellington - 1982 - Charles Lloyd - Dizzy Gillespie

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He is one of the, if not the, first French musicians to sign with Blue Note Records. In 1994 he was made a knight of the Légion d'honneur in Paris.

Related Topics:
Blue Note Records - Légion d'honneur

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His own style would be influenced by Bill Evans although some compare him to Keith Jarrett. He is often deemed to be among the best jazz pianists to ever come from France.

Related Topics:
Bill Evans - Keith Jarrett - Jazz pianists

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On the personal side he had three significant relationships. His first marriage to pianist Gilda Butt ended in divorce. He also fathered two children, one being a son named Alexandre. One of these kids inherited his condition. He also had a stepson.

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Michel Petrucciani died at 36 from a pulmonary infection. He was interred in Le Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.

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