DAVE MCKENNA (pianist) was born May 30, 1930 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island and passed away October 18, 2008 . Praised by the great Art Tatum as a “complete musician” McKenna was known for his “three handed swing” method and his versatility saw him performing with artists from Charlie Ventura and Woody Herman to Stan Getz, Zoot Sims and Bobby Hackett. McKenna counted Nat King Cole as one of his major influences. Focusing on performing in the Boston area, he found his greatest audience through recordings, particularly his solo work.