Ellis Larkins

Ellis Larkins (15 May 1923 – 30 September 2002) was a jazz pianist born in Baltimore, Maryland. Larkins is best known for his recordings with Ella Fitzgerald. The album Ella Sings Gershwin features Larkins as the sole accompanist. Both his parents were classical musicians. His father, a violinist, started his young son on piano lessons at the age of four. Ellis progressed quickly, eventually joining his father in performances with a local black orchestra in his hometown.