Jazz pianist and composer Eddie Heywood Jr. carved a unique path through American music history with his elegant, lyrical playing style and remarkable resilience. Though his career was twice interrupted by debilitating health issues, he staged multiple comebacks and left behind timeless compositions, including the 1956 hit “Canadian Sunset.” For fans of swing, jazz standards, and crossover pop-jazz, Heywood’s legacy continues to shine.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Edward Heywood Jr. |
| Born | December 4, 1915 – Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Died | January 3, 1989 – Miami Beach, Florida, USA |
| Genres | Jazz, Swing, Pop-Jazz, Instrumental |
| Main Instruments | Piano |
| Associated Acts | Billie Holiday, Coleman Hawkins, Hugo Winterhalter |
| Major Hits | “Begin the Beguine,” “Soft Summer Breeze” (#11), “Canadian Sunset” (#2) |
| Signature Work | “Canadian Sunset” (1956) |
| Notable Ensembles | The Eddie Heywood Sextet |
| Legacy | Blended jazz and pop with elegance; inspired generations of pianists; overcame physical disability to continue creating music |
Early Life and Musical Heritage
Born December 4, 1915, in Atlanta, Georgia, Edward Heywood Jr. inherited his musical gift from his father, Eddie Heywood Sr., a respected jazz pianist and bandleader who accompanied vaudeville acts such as the comedic duo Butterbeans and Susie in the 1920s. Heywood Jr. began studying piano at an early age under his father’s guidance, performing professionally in vaudeville pit orchestras by the time he was in his early teens.
Exposed to gospel, blues, and ragtime early in life, Heywood honed a sensitive and melodic playing style. His influences included pioneers like Fats Waller, James P. Johnson, and Art Tatum, but he developed a more subdued, elegant tone that suited ballads and standards.
Breaking into the Jazz Scene
By the late 1930s, Heywood was working as an accompanist for legendary singers such as Bessie Smith and Ethel Waters. His ability to support vocalists while adding delicate, emotive flourishes on the keys earned him widespread admiration.
In the early 1940s, he performed with several prominent big bands led by musicians like Wayman Carver, Clarence Love, Benny Carter, and Don Redman. Moving between New Orleans, Kansas City, and eventually New York City, Heywood established a reputation as a technically gifted and musically expressive pianist.
Collaboration with Billie Holiday and Coleman Hawkins
Heywood’s national breakthrough came in the early 1940s when he began performing with the iconic Billie Holiday. His work with her showed his skill for subtle accompaniment and his ability to elevate a vocalist’s emotional message without overshadowing it.
He also played on a historic Coleman Hawkins quartet session, where his rendition of “The Man I Love” drew acclaim for its expressive, understated beauty. The session marked Heywood as more than just a sideman—he was a voice of his own.
The Eddie Heywood Sextet and Swing Success
In 1943, Heywood formed The Eddie Heywood Sextet, a tight ensemble known for their swing arrangements, warm harmonies, and blend of classical and jazz sensibilities. Members included trumpet player Doc Cheatham and trombonist Vic Dickenson, both of whom would become jazz legends.
The sextet found chart success with their 1944 version of “Begin the Beguine” by Cole Porter, which became a best-seller and a fan favorite during World War II. It showcased Heywood’s light, articulate playing style—crisp but deeply romantic.
First Battle with Paralysis
At the height of his fame in 1947, tragedy struck. Heywood developed partial paralysis in his hands, rendering him unable to play piano. This mysterious affliction (possibly psychosomatic or neurologically triggered) forced him into early retirement. For the next few years, he was out of the spotlight, and his career appeared to be over.
Still, Heywood didn’t give up on music. He began composing, working with arrangers and preparing for a hopeful return to performance.
Comeback and Pop Crossover Success
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In 1951, Heywood resumed performing. His triumphant comeback culminated in the release of two instrumental hits in 1956: “Soft Summer Breeze” and “Canadian Sunset.”
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“Soft Summer Breeze” reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing his lyrical, almost cinematic piano phrasing.
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“Canadian Sunset,” recorded with arranger/conductor Hugo Winterhalter, soared to #2 on the Billboard pop chart. The track became his signature piece, featuring lush orchestration and Heywood’s haunting melodic lines. It later became a jazz standard covered by dozens of artists, including Andy Williams, George Shearing, and Wes Montgomery.
The success of “Canadian Sunset” marked one of the earliest examples of jazz crossing over into mainstream pop in the post-swing era. Heywood helped pioneer the genre that would later be called “easy listening” or “pop-jazz.”
Second Battle with Paralysis and Later Years
Unfortunately, Heywood suffered another bout of partial paralysis in the mid-1960s. But once again, he made a recovery and returned to performing and recording into the 1970s and early 1980s.
In his later years, he continued to compose and occasionally toured, earning renewed respect from both jazz traditionalists and new generations of listeners who discovered his work through radio and reissues.
Death and Legacy
Eddie Heywood died on January 3, 1989, in Miami Beach, Florida, at age 73, after battling Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Though often overlooked in jazz history books, his recordings speak volumes.
His contributions to jazz piano, particularly in melodic interpretation and pop accessibility, paved the way for smoother forms of jazz that emerged in the 1960s and beyond. His resilience in the face of physical adversity is as noteworthy as his musical accomplishments.
Signature Style and Impact
Heywood’s approach to the piano was defined by:
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Delicacy and control – He rarely overplayed, focusing on phrasing and texture.
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Romanticism – His ballads evoke deep emotion and cinematic imagery.
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Crossover appeal – He brought jazz into the pop mainstream without diluting its musicality.
His music remains a favorite among fans of vintage pop, instrumental standards, and jazz piano.