African-American pianist and composer Don Shirley (January 29, 1927 - April 6, 2013) displayed immense talent while very young, debuting in concert with the Boston Pops at age 18. Despite the obstructions of segregation, he executed at prestigious venues and earned acclaim for his work with the Put on Shirley Trio, showcasing an read more exceptional style that melded classical, spiritual and popular elements. Largely forgotten by the time of his death, Shirley was introduced to new generations of followers with the 2018 premiere of Green Book, acting Mahershala Ali as Shirley and Viggo Mortensen as his bodyguard and chauffeur, Anthony "Tony Lip" Vallelonga.

Movie: 'Green Book'

In 2018, audiences were reintroduced to the life and talents of Shirley through the Peter Farrelly-directed Environmentally friendly Book. The film showcased the growing friendship between two men of disparate backgrounds during a visit of the American To the south in the early sixties. Its title is drawn from a guidebook designed to help black road users find safe passage in unfriendly regions.