Ellis Larkins

Ellis Larkins (May 15, 1923 – September 29, 2002) was an American jazz pianist born in Baltimore, Maryland, known for his two recordings with Ella Fitzgerald: the albums Ella Sings Gershwin and Songs in a Mellow Mood (1954). He was also the pianist on the first solo sides by singer Chris Connor on her album Chris (1954).

Larkins was the first African American to attend the Peabody Conservatory of Music, an institute in Baltimore. He began his professional playing career in New York City after moving there to attend the Juilliard School. He recorded with Coleman Hawkins, and Dicky Wells in the 1940s. In the 1950s, he recorded with Ella Fitzgerald, Ruby Braff, and Beverly Kenney. 1956 Do Nothin’ ‘Til You Hear From Me Storyville Duo with Beverly Peer (bass) 1956 Manhattan at Midnight Decca Trio, with Art Ryerson (guitar), Beverly Peer (bass) 1958 Blue and Sentimental Decca Some tracks duo, with Joe Benjamin (bass); some tracks quartet 1990 Ellis Larkins DGTL Some tracks solo piano; some tracks trio, with Bill Popp (bass), Jackie Williams (drums) 1992 Ellis Larkins at Maybeck Concord Jazz Solo piano; in concert

As sideman With Ruby Braff Ellis Larkins & Ruby Braff: Duets Volume 1, (Vanguard, 1955 ) Ellis Larkins & Ruby Braff: Duets Volume 2, (Vanguard, 1955 ) Ruby Braff and Ellis Larkins: 2 Part Inventions in Jazz, (Vanguard, 10-inch LP, 1955) – reissued as Ruby Braff/Ellis Larkins: Pocket Full of Dreams, (Vanguard, 1957) & on the Duets CDs Ruby Braff and Ellis Larkins: The Grand Reunion, (Chiaroscuro, 1972) – CD reissue, 1999 Ruby Braff and Ellis Larkins: Calling Berlin, Vol. 1 (Arbors, 1994 ) Ruby Braff and Ellis Larkins: Calling Berlin, Vol. 2 (Arbors, 1994 ) With Anita Kert Ellis A Legend Sings (Red Onion, 1979) With Ella Fitzgerald Ella Sings Gershwin (Decca, 1950) Songs in a Mellow Mood (Decca, 1954) "You Turned the Tables on Me", "Nice Work If You Can Get It", "I've Got a Crush on You" on Newport Jazz Festival: Live at Carnegie Hall (Pablo, 1973) With Beverly Kenney Sings for Playboys (Decca, 1958) With Sonny Stitt What's New!!! (Roulette, 1966) I Keep Comin' Back! (Roulette, 1966) With Joe Williams That Holiday Feelin (Verve, 1990)