Steve Allen
The late Steve Allen's long experience in the jazz piano world brought him into contact with the greats -- Erroll Garner, Oscar Peterson, Count Basie, Art Tatum and many others. Though best known as a TV comedian, Steve Allen was also been a highly praised musician for more than 45 years.
He recorded over 40 albums, authored numerous books and was a prolific composer and lyricist whose 5,000-plus songs were recorded by Aretha Franklin, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong and countless others. His long television career, including his tenure as the creator and first host of The Tonight Show, has been recognized by his induction into the Television Academy's Hall of Fame.
