I envy great musicians and their talent.  Whether guitarists, drummers or pianists, I thoroughly enjoy watching those with God given talent who have perfected their craft to the highest of levels.

I really started paying attention to piano in music as a pre-teen while listening to Elvis’ music recorded in the seventies.  Listening to the Aloha From Hawaii album, I was intrigued by the effortless ivory tickling of Elvis’ pianist, Glen Hardin. Later, in my teens, Elton John hit the scene and ignited my interest in learning to play the piano. 

Yes, I envy them and wish that I could play just like them.  However, my level of desire or commitment to develop whatever talent I might have to play an instrument has never risen to the level of my envy. I’ve taken guitar and piano lessons. I’ve even had a couple of years of music theory and choir. Yet, not even one micron of talent of the level of talent of those I envied developed in my fingers. Work and school (and inherent laziness) decimated my piano practice to the point of non-existence. It just didn’t happen.  I eventually dropped my half-hearted pursuit of the ivories.

However, I still loved (and love) great piano work.  I became aware of other great pianists such as Nicky Hopkins, Little Richard, Billy Preston, Keith Emerson, Ian Stewart, Rick Wakeman and many others.  Later, greats like Chuck Leavell, Jonathan Cain and Billy Joel also began to command my attention.

All of these artists pepper the soundtrack that perpetually plays in my mind with intro’s, interludes and other riffs that help make songs memorable ones . . . and get us feeling alright.

Thank you, piano men.