Ellis Larkins

Infobox musical artist
Name = Ellis Larkins

---

Img_capt =
Img_size =
Landscape =
Background = non_vocal_instrumentalist
Birth_name = Ellis Larkins
Alias =
Born = 15 May 1923
Died = 30 September 2002
Origin = flagicon|USA baltimore, Maryland, USA
Instrument = Piano
Voice_type =
Genre = Jazz
Occupation = Pianist
Years_active =
Label =
Associated_acts = Ruby Braff, Eartha Kitt
URL =
Current_members =
Past_members =
Notable_instruments =

Ellis Larkins (15 May 1923 – 30 September 2002) was an African-American jazz pianist born in Baltimore, Maryland, perhaps best known for his two recordings with Ella Fitzgerald, the albums "Ella Sings Gershwin" (1950) and "Songs in a Mellow Mood" (1954).

Larkins was the first African American to attend the Peabody Conservatory of Music, a well-known institute in Baltimore. He began his professional playing career in New York City after moving there to attend the Juilliard School. Following school Larkins performed jazz piano with Billy Moore and Edmond Hall. Over the years Larkins has performed with Ruby Braff, Eartha Kitt, Joe Williams, Helen Humes, Georgia Gibbs and Harry Belafonte.

elect discography

With Ruby Braff
*"Ruby Braff and Ellis Larkins: Calling Berlin, Vol. 1" (Arbors Records)
*"Ruby Braff and Ellis Larkins: Calling Berlin, Vol. 2" (Arbors Records)

External links

* [http://www.newyorker.com/archive/content/articles/070212fr_archive01 Profile of Ellis Larkins by Whitney Balliet for the "New Yorker"]