Pop Piano Players From Jazz to pop to rock
Player Piano In 1896, Edwin Votey (from Detroit) invented the “Pianola” which had a piano sized cabinet with wood “fingers” aligned with the keys. It used perforated paper rolls and foot-powered pedals. It was the first self-playing piano. It’s heyday was from 1900-1930. The depression and invention of the radio essentially ended it’s production.
Scott Joplin & George Gershwin Joplin – King of Ragtime “Maple Leaf Rag” Gershwin – Broadway, Jazz & Classical “Rhapsody in Blue”
Piano becomes the instrument of a new era of music In the 1920’s and 30’s, the piano became instrumental (pun intended) in the production of jazz, the new American art form. It was also used in gospel, blues, country, and bluegrass music. Many new composers and artists used the piano as a mainstay in their music. In the 1950’s, piano was used in America’s newest genre of music, rock ‘n’ roll. It has since been used in countless groups as an integral if not main part of popular music.
Fats Waller & Fats Domino Fats Waller – Innovated modern jazz piano Fats Domino- New Orleans Pianist
The “Duke” & The “Killer” Duke Ellington Jerry Lee Lewis
Blind…but still amazing Ray Charles Stevie Wonder
Piano Goes Pop Billy Joel Elton John
Piano Goes Pop Continued Paul McCartney (wings) Paul McCartney (Beatles)
Piano goes rock! Freddie Mercury (Queen) Ben Folds Five
Women on the keys Alicia Keys Lady Gaga
Women on the keys continued Vanessa Carlton Other amazing women Regina Spektor Tori Amos Fiona Apple Sara Bareilles
Actors who can play! (and one politician) Harry Connick Jr. Jamie Foxx Jeff Goldblum Hugh Laurie Richard gere Clint eastwood Condoleezza Rice
Piano on TV Liberace Victor Borge
classical pianists popular now Lang lang Emanuel ax
By request Stephen moccio Ludovico einaudi
Piano in cartoons Johann Mouse (Tom & Jerry) Rhapsody Rabbit (Bugs Bunny)