Jazz pianist George Shearing dies at 91

British-American jazz piano legend, Sir George Shearing, has died of cardiac arrest in New York City at the age of 91.

The composer of the standard Lullaby of Birdland” who was blind since birth, moved to the U.S. from London in 1947, rising to become one of the most popular and revered jazz pianists of the post-war era. He performed with such luminaries as Peggy Lee and Nat King Cole, among other. He also played for the Queen of England and three American presidents.

Shearing received his Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1996 and received his knighthood in 2007.

“Receiving such an honor as a knighthood might also show young people what can be achieved in life if one learns his craft and follows his dreams, he said at the time of his knighthood.

Up until 2004, when he suffered a fall that led to months of hospitalization, he was still performing concerts.