Floyd Cramer - Last Date
When it comes to country music, the piano has always played second fiddle to the guitar. But there are a handful of pianists who have broken through to help shape the sound of country music.
Most notably is Floyd Cramer, who could be considered the King of Country Piano for his work with Hank Williams, Chet Atkins, and Elvis Presley. Hargus “Pig” Robbins is considered Nashville’s top session keyboardist, recording with Dolly Parton, Patti Page, Loretta Lynn, Kenny Rogers, Merle Haggard and a dual recipient of Country Music Association’s musician of the year. We can’t leave out Moon Mullican, the “King of Hillbilly Piano Players”. And Ray Charles made his mark on country music with “I Can’t Stop Loving You” ranked on the list of 100 Greatest Songs of Country Music. When you hear the name Chuck Leavell, most people think of the blues infused Southern rocker who played with the Allman Brothers and has been playing ‘Honky Tonk Women” with the Rolling Stones since 1985. Chuck Leavell’s indelible mark on country music can be heard through his keyboard playing with guitarist Dickey Betts on the Allman Brothers album “Brothers and Sisters” with country-inspired songs, such as “Ramblin Man” and “Pony Boy”. And tucked away in Dickey Betts’ little known debut album “Highway Call” might possibly be some of the best country piano playing ever recorded. It’s totally worth a listen. Check out the piano lesson at Chuck’s irocku.com for “Get Rhythm” by Johnny Cash, which happens to be an awesome piano piece!
Learn how to play rock and blues piano from one of rock’s greatest. Chuck Leavell, legendary keyboardist for The Rolling Stones, The Allman Bros, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and more.
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