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Willie "The Lion" Smith

American jazz pianist and composer. Born: 23 November 1893 in Goshen, New York, USA. Died: 18 April 1973 in New York City, New York, USA. Willie was active since the early 1910s, best known for his 'Harlem Stride' playing style. The legend is that his nickname "The Lion" came from his bravery while serving as a heavy artillery gunner.