Earl Kenneth Hines, universally known as Earl "Fatha" Hines, (28 December, 1903In The World of Earl Hines by Stanley Dance (p. 7), Hines quotes his year of birth as 1905. Most sources agree 1903 is correct. Duquesne, Pennsylvania – 22 April, 1983 in Oakland, California) was one of the most important pianists in the history of jazz. Early life Earl Hines was born in the Pittsburgh suburb of Duquesne, Pennsylvania. His father was a cornetist and leader of Pittsburgh's Eureka Brass BandWhitney Balliett, 72 Portraits in Jazz p.100, his stepmother a church organist.Dance, p. 9. Hines at first intended to follow his father's example and play cornet but "blowing" hurt him behind the ears ? while the piano didn't.Dance, p. 20.Palmer, The New York Times, Aug 28 1981. He took classical piano lessons but also developed an ear for popular show tunes