In May 1965, Sidney N. Shure received a fan letter from George Shearing, a jazz pianist and composer. It read:
Just a brief note to tell you how much I enjoy your microphone and phonograph [cartridge]. I consider the Shure equipment among the very best I have seen, and a joy to use. Thanks for everything. With every good wish for you and yours. Most sincerely, George Shearing.
Mr. Shearing, blind since birth, typed the letter using a Braille typewriter.
Mr. Shure replied to Mr. Shearing’s letter:
It is gratifying to hear that [you] find [our products] a source of satisfaction and enjoyment. When these words of praise are written by a leading musician and artist, such as you, they are even more meaningful. I hope you will continue to create beautiful music for your great number of admirers for many, many years.
In addition to using Shure equipment, for several years Mr. Shearing participated in a Shure “Win Your Next Recording Session” contest. He created a composition that the winner of the contest could introduce to the world (as a solo, with a group, or as background).
Mr. Shearing was born in London in 1919 and in his teens joined Claude Bampton’s all-blind band. In 1952, he wrote his most famous composition, “Lullaby of Birdland,” which became a jazz standard. In 1978, Mr. Shearing earned the Horatio Alger Award.
