1. Pop Piano Players
From Jazz to pop to rock

2. 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 The depression and invention of the radio essentially ended it’s production.

3. Scott Joplin & George Gershwin
Joplin – King of Ragtime
“Maple Leaf Rag”
Gershwin – Broadway, Jazz & Classical
“Rhapsody in Blue”

4. 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.

5. Fats Waller & Fats Domino
Fats Waller – Innovated modern jazz piano
Fats Domino-
New Orleans Pianist

6. The “Duke” & The “Killer”
Duke Ellington
Jerry Lee Lewis

7. Blind…but still amazing
Ray Charles
Stevie Wonder

8. Piano Goes Pop
Billy Joel
Elton John

9. Piano Goes Pop Continued
Paul McCartney (wings)
Paul McCartney (Beatles)

10. Piano goes rock!
Freddie Mercury (Queen)
Ben Folds Five

11. Women on the keys
Alicia Keys
Lady Gaga

12. Women on the keys continued
Vanessa Carlton
Other amazing women
Regina Spektor
Tori Amos
Fiona Apple
Sara Bareilles

13. Actors who can play! (and one politician)
Harry Connick Jr.
Jamie Foxx
Jeff Goldblum
Hugh Laurie
Richard gere
Clint eastwood
Condoleezza Rice

14. Piano on TV
Liberace
Victor Borge

15. classical pianists popular now
Lang lang
Emanuel ax

16. By request
Stephen moccio
Ludovico einaudi

17. Piano in cartoons Johann Mouse (Tom & Jerry)
Rhapsody Rabbit (Bugs Bunny)