Don Shirley was a remarkable pianist and composer who blended classical, jazz, and pop music in his own unique style. He was also a pioneer in breaking racial barriers in the music industry, as he toured the segregated South in the 1960s with his white driver and bodyguard, Tony Lip. His life story inspired the 2018 film Green Book, which won the Oscar for Best Picture. But how did Don Shirley die and what legacy did he leave behind?
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A Life of Music and Struggle
Don Shirley was born on January 29, 1927, in Pensacola, Florida, to Jamaican immigrants. He was a musical prodigy who started playing the piano at the age of two and performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at 18. He studied music at the Catholic University of America and received two honorary doctorates. He also spoke eight languages fluently and was an expert painter.
However, despite his talent and education, Shirley faced discrimination and prejudice as a black musician in America. He was told by a white producer that he should not pursue a career in classical music, because American audiences would not accept a “colored” pianist on the concert stage. Instead, he was advised to focus on pop music and jazz, which were considered more suitable for his race.
Shirley followed this advice, but he did not compromise his artistic vision. He created his own genre of music, combining elements of classical, jazz, and pop music. He recorded many albums for Cadence Records in the 1950s and 1960s, and composed various works for piano, organ, cello, violin, and orchestra. He also wrote a symphonic poem based on James Joyce’s novel Finnegans Wake and a set of variations on the opera Orpheus in the Underworld.
A Journey Through the South
In 1962, Shirley embarked on a concert tour through the Deep South, a region where racial segregation and violence were rampant. He hired Tony Lip, an Italian-American bouncer from New York City, as his driver and bodyguard. The two men had very different backgrounds and personalities, but they developed a friendship over the course of their journey.
Shirley and Lip faced many challenges and dangers along the way. They used a guidebook called The Negro Motorist Green Book, which listed hotels, restaurants, and other places that were safe for black travelers. They also encountered racism and hostility from some white people, including police officers and venue owners. Shirley was often denied access to facilities that were reserved for whites only, such as bathrooms, dining rooms, and dressing rooms. He also faced criticism from some black people who accused him of being out of touch with his own culture.
Despite these difficulties, Shirley also experienced moments of joy and connection with his music and his audience. He played for diverse crowds of people who appreciated his talent and skill. He also learned more about himself and his identity as a black man in America. He gained respect and admiration from Lip, who helped him overcome some of his personal issues.
A Legacy of Artistry and Humanity
Shirley’s tour through the South ended in 1963, but his friendship with Lip lasted until their deaths. They kept in touch through letters and phone calls over the years. They also visited each other’s families during holidays and special occasions.
Shirley continued to perform and record music until his retirement in the late 1980s. He lived in an apartment above Carnegie Hall in New York City, where he had a collection of art, books, and musical instruments. He was notoriously private about his personal life and rarely gave interviews or public appearances.
Shirley died of heart disease on April 6, 2013, at the age of 86. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered by his family. He never married or had children, but he had many friends and admirers who mourned his passing.
Shirley’s life story was brought to the big screen in 2018 by director Peter Farrelly. The film Green Book starred Mahershala Ali as Shirley and Viggo Mortensen as Lip. The film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, especially from Shirley’s family who disputed its accuracy and portrayal of their relative. However, the film also won several awards, including three Oscars for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Ali.
Don Shirley was a remarkable man who left a lasting mark on the world of music and culture. He was a genius who transcended genres and boundaries with his artistry. He was also a human being who faced adversity and injustice with dignity and grace. He was a legend who inspired generations of musicians and listeners with his passion and creativity.
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