Earl 'Fatha' Hines was a pioneering American jazz pianist and bandleader who profoundly influenced the development of jazz piano. His innovative 'trumpet style' of piano playing involved playing octave melodies with his right hand, a technique that broke away from the traditional stride piano style. Throughout his long and illustrious career, he collaborated with legendary musicians like Louis Armstrong and led his own big band. Hines is celebrated for his incredible improvisational skills and is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of jazz music.