Profile of Michel Petrucciani on Famous Like Me

Michel Petrucciani (December 28, 1962, Orange, France - January 6, 1999, Manhattan), Jazz pianist.

Michel Petrucciani came from a Franco-Italian family of a musical background. He was born with osteogenesis imperfecta which is a genetic condition that causes brittle bones and in his case short stature. It is also often linked to pulmonary ailments. In certain respects though he considered it an advantage as it got rid of distractions, like sports, that other boys tended to become involved in.

At an early age he became enthusiastic about the works of Duke Ellington and wished to become a pianist like him. Although he trained for years as a classical pianist jazz remained his interest. He had his first professional concern at 13. At this point in his life he was still quite fragile so had to be carried to and from the piano. In general his size meant that he required aids to reach the piano's pedals, but his hands were average in length. By age 18 he helped form a successful trio. He moved to the US in 1982. In the US he is credited with leading Charles Lloyd to resume playing actively and in 1986 he did an album with Wayne Shorter. He also played with diverse figures in the US jazz scene including Dizzy Gillespie.

He is one of the, if not the, first French musicians to sign with Blue Note Records. In 1994 he was made a knight of the Légion d'honneur in Paris.

His own style would be influenced by Bill Evans although some compare him to Keith Jarrett. He is often deemed to be among the best jazz pianists to ever come from France.

On the personal side he had three significant relationships. His first marriage to italian pianist Gilda Buttà ended in divorce. He also fathered two children, one being a son named Alexandre. One of these kids inherited his condition. He also had a stepson.

Michel Petrucciani died at 36 from a pulmonary infection. He was interred in Le Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.

Discography

• Flash (1979)
• Michel Petrucciani Trio (1981)
• Date with Time (1981)
• Michel Petrucciani (1981)
• Oracle's Destiny (1982)
• Toot Suite (1982)
• 100 Hearts (1983)
• Live at the Village Vanguard (1984)
• Note'n Notes (1984)
• Cold Blues (1985)
• Pianism (1985)
• Power of Three (1986) with Wayne Shorter and Jim Hall
• Michel plays Petrucciani (1987)
• Music (1989)
• Playground (1991)
• Live (1991)
• Promenade with Duke (1993)
• Marvellous (1994)
• Conference De Presse (1994)
• Darn that Dream (1996)
• Flamingo (with Grapelli) (1996)
• Au Theatre Des Champs-Elysees (1997)
• Both Worlds (1998)
• Solo Live (1999)
• Estate (1999)
• Live in Tokyo (1999)
• Bob Malach & Michel Petrucciani (2000)
• Concerts Inedits /Live (2000)
• Conversation (2001)

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