At 79, Chick Corea Finally Reveals 8 Pianists He Calls the Greatest Ever

Why Chick Corea finally named the eight pianists he calls the greatest ever — and how these artists helped shape his vision, style, and lifelong pursuit of musical excellence. What starts as a simple list quickly becomes a journey through the minds of some of the most influential pianists in history. Late 20th century — the evolution of jazz and beyond. As one of the most celebrated pianists of his generation, Chick Corea pushed boundaries with his creativity, blending jazz, classical, and fusion into something entirely his own. But even at the highest level, his inspirations remained deeply rooted in the masters who came before and alongside him. In this video, we explore the pianists Corea held in the highest regard — the ones he believed defined greatness at the instrument. More than just favorites, these are the players whose artistry, innovation, and legacy continue to shape the sound of piano music across generations.