Keyboard Players Trivia

1. He's known as "The Killer" but he is a rock and roll and country legend with a piano style all his own. Who is this Louisiana born performer?

From Quiz Tickling the Ivories--My Piano Heroes

Answer: Jerry Lee Lewis

Jerry Lee was born in Feriday Louisiana. He and Mickey Gilley are cousins and they are also cousins to televangelist Jimmy Swaggart. Jerry Lee and Charlie Rich were label mates on Sun Records before both moved on to major labels. After being ostracized by the rock and roll community for marrying his cousin, Jerry Lee continued to perform and eventually re-invented himself as a country artist in the 70s.

From Quiz That Old Jingly Jangly

Answer: Floyd Cramer

Floyd Cramer was a self taught pianist. After leaving school he worked for a while as a musician on the radio show "Louisiana Hayride", and in 1953 toured with a young Elvis Presley. By 1955 he was in Nashville where he became much in demand as a session musician, working with, among others, Jim Reeves, Patsy Cline and Don Gibson. His piano playing, coupled with the addition of strings, became known as the "Nashville Sound", replacing the previous guitar and bass or banjo only backing on country music tracks. He released solo records, but these were unnoticed until "Last Date" went to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960. He followed this with "On The Rebound" in 1961. He then balanced his session work with solo work and often went on the road with Chet Atkins and Boots Randolph as a member of the Million Dollar Band.

From Quiz Rock's Keyboard Players

Answer: Brian Auger

Born in India, Auger has played or toured with artists such as Rod Stewart, Tony Williams, Jimi Hendrix, Sonny Boy Williamson, Led Zeppelin, Eric Burdon and many more. He has been nominated for a Grammy. He played keys on the Yardbirds' breakout hit "For Your Love". In 1965 Auger formed The Steampacket, along with Long John Baldry, Julie Driscoll, Vic Briggs and Rod Stewart. In 1970 he formed Brian Auger's Oblivion Express. The revived Oblivion Express played at the 2006 Starwood Festival. The band features Brian's son Karma Auger on drums, his daughter Savannah Auger on vocals and Derek Frank on bass. Tony Carey played Hammond organ for Rainbow from 1975 to 1977. Ed Cox is the organist from The Hurricanes who has played with Billy Preston. "Wild Bill" Davis is the stage name of American organist William Davis who led a number of organ trios.

From Quiz Tickling the Ivories--My Piano Heroes

Answer: Billy Joel

Bronx-born Billy Joel grew up on Long Island in the town of Hicksville. His father Howard was a classical pianist, born in Germany, and his mother was born in England. Billy did not graduate high school because he didn't have enough credits, missing a lot of classes because he was playing piano bars to help his mother. He chose not to go to summer school and made the decision to pursue a full-time music career. He eventually got his diploma 25 years later. His song "My Life" was the opening theme song of the TV series "Bosom Buddies" which starred a young Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari.

From Quiz Who's Tickling The Ivories?

Answer: Shirley Scott

Born in 1934, Scott played with saxophonist Eddie Davis in the '50s and saxophonist Stanley Turrentine in the '60s before leading her own groups, which was usually in a trio setting.

From Quiz That Old Jingly Jangly

Answer: Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson was considered by many to be the greatest jazz pianist of all time. In a career spanning some 60 years he received eight Grammy awards. He was also the first recipient of the Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Award from the Black Theatre Workshop. Although known primarily for modern jazz his early training was for classical piano. However, it was jazz that captivated him, and from the 1940s that was what he was known for. He played with all the great jazz proponents, including Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Stephane Grappelli and Billie Holiday.

From Quiz Piano Men

Answer: Liberace

Liberace was something of a child prodigy, showing talent at the age of seven. He was a trained classical pianist but ventured into 'pop' to add variety to his act. He would play classical pieces but "leave out the boring parts" and play "Home on the Range" as Mozart might have played it. Twice he won libel suits over the issue of his sexual orientation and settled a palimony suit out of court. He died at sixty-seven of Aids, complicated by emphysema, heart problems, and liver failure, in 1987.

From Quiz Rock's Keyboard Players

Answer: Jon Lord

Jon Lord began his British music career in 1960 with the jazz-oriented Bill Ashton Combo. Lord co-founded Deep Purple in 1968. He and drummer Ian Paice were the only constant band members during the band's existence from 1968 to 1976. Lord played his Hammond-Leslie through Marshall amplification, creating a growling sound that gave a rhythmic counterpoint to Blackmore's guitar playing. Deep Purple reformed in 1984 until Lord's retirement in 2002. Lord currently focuses on classical compositions. Stuart "Pinkie" Bates is the former keyboardist of rock group The Divine Comedy. Jerry Burke was the organist for Lawrence Welk from 1934 to 1965. Vincent Crane is the organist of Atomic Rooster.

From Quiz Tickling the Ivories--My Piano Heroes

Answer: Floyd Cramer

Floyd Cramer was a fixture at the RCA studios in Nashville, playing on many hit sessions, including many of Elvis Presley's recordings. He was also a part of the "Masters" concerts, along with Chet Atkins and Boots Randolph.

From Quiz Who's Tickling The Ivories?

Answer: Billy Joel

A native New Yorker, Joel was born in The Bronx and raised out on Long island in Hicksville.

From Quiz That Old Jingly Jangly

Answer: Bobby Crush

Bobby Crush, whilst still a teenager, won six consecutive shows of "Opportunity Knocks" in the early 1970s. His style was flamboyant and modelled on his idol, Liberace. The wins led to television appearances on variety and chat shows, as well as the 1972 Variety Club of Great Britain Award for "Best New Artist". His success was short lived and he disappeared from view for a while. In 1980 he wrote "I Wish I Could Fly" for ventriloquist Keith Orville and his puppet, a green duck called Orville. From 1989 to 1991 he presented a day time game show, "Sounds Like Music". In 2007 he appeared at the theatre on Blackpool's north pier with his "Tribute to Liberace" show.

From Quiz Piano Men

Answer: Dave Brubeck

Brubeck was taught piano by his mother but it was not discovered that he could not read music until he entered College of the Pacific. However, the music faculty felt his talent outweighed this disadvantage. Later, in the army he met Paul Desmond and they formed a powerful jazz group. Brubeck has composed classical and religious music and has performed often with his sons.

From Quiz Rock's Keyboard Players

Answer: Alan Price

Alan Price was a founding member of the Tyneside, England, group The Alan Price Rhythm and Blues Combo which was eventually renamed The Animals. His arrangement and organ playing on "House of the Rising Sun" contributed to the song's huge success. In 1965 he appeared in the film documenting Bob Dylan's England tour, "Don't Look Back". His 1967 solo LP titled "A Price on His Head" featured several Randy Newman compositions before Randy became a well known songwriter. He has written music for stage plays and films including "The Whales of August" and "O Lucky Man". Bryon "Chas" Chandler played bass, Hilton Valentine was the guitar player and John Steel held down the drumming chores.

From Quiz Piano Men, Elton And Billy

Answer: Oliver and Company

From Quiz Tickling the Ivories--My Piano Heroes

Answer: Reginald Dwight

Since 1993 Elton's AIDS foundation has sponsored one of the biggest Academy Awards parties as a fundraiser, attended annually by some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Elton's lyricist Bernie Taupin rewrote the words to "Candle In The Wind" at Elton's request so he could sing it as a moving tribute to his friend Princess Diana at her funeral. The subsequent release of the song became the biggest selling record in United Kingdom history. As of this writing it has sold 33 million copies worldwide. In 1998 the recording won the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Performance.

From Quiz Who's Tickling The Ivories?

Answer: Rod Temperton

Rod Temperton was the songwriting mastermind behind Heatwave before leaving the group to concentrate solely on songwriting. He was most noted for composing "Rock With You", "Off The Wall", and "Thriller" for Michael Jackson, among others.

From Quiz That Old Jingly Jangly

Answer: Semprini

Alberto Semprini was born in Britain, although he was of Italian descent. He had studied composition and conducting at the Verdi Conservatory in Milan. It was however his radio show, "Semprini Serenade" that made him famous. It was a light music programme broadcast on the BBC. Starting in 1957 it became a firm early Sunday evening favourite with listeners and ran for 25 years. He featured light classics, popular songs and tunes of the day, as well as his own compositions. The signature tune for the show, "Mediterranean Concerto", was one of his original compositions.

From Quiz Piano Men

Answer: Scott Joplin

Ragtime music has been described as a cross between Western European polkas and traditional African rhythms. Joplin's piano teacher was German. Joplin had a difficult time as a Black musician in his time. He was reduced to playing brothels and on the street for tips. His "Maple Leaf Rag" sold more records and sheet music during his lifetime but is most often recognized for "The Entertainer" from "The Sting". For years he labored over an opera called "Treemonisha" which did not get a full production until the 1970s. In 1976 he was award a posthumous Pulitzer Prize.

From Quiz Rock's Keyboard Players

Answer: Gregg Rolie

Rolie joined Carlos Santana to form the Santana Blues Band in 1966, which was later shortened to Santana. He enjoyed considerable success with Santana including their appearance at Woodstock. After Woodstock he left the band to work at his father's restaurant. Rolie was asked to join a new band in 1973 with ex-Santana guitarist Neal Schon which became Journey. After leaving Journey in 1980 Gregg recorded solo albums including "Gregg Rolie" in 1985 and "Gringo", released in 1987. Rolie formed The Storm in 1991 with Steve Smith, Ross Valory, Josh Ramos and Kevin Chalfant. In the late 1990s Rolie and Neal Schon formed Abraxas Pool. Rolie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Santana. John Evan was Jethro Tull's organist. Dave "Baby" Cortez" had a hit with "The Happy Organ", the first rock song to feature the organ. Jonathan Cain (Jonathan Friga) replaced Rolie in Journey.

From Quiz Piano Men, Elton And Billy

Answer: Bernie Taupin

Dee, Davey, and Nigel made up Elton's band for most of the 70's and the 80's.

From Quiz Tickling the Ivories--My Piano Heroes

Answer: I'll Be Seeing You

Liberace often featured his brother George as a guest on his TV show. George was an accomplished violinist. Their mother was a regular member of the audience, always on the front row. He was one of the first American performers whose show was aired in Great Britain, gaining him a large British following. As a result, he was often called upon to perform at Royal Command Performances. He was a frequent guest on variety shows and sitcoms,

From Quiz That Old Jingly Jangly

Answer: Neil Sedaka

Neil Sedaka's mother wanted him to become a classical pianist, but he discovered pop music instead. For many years he and Howard Greenfield were two of the most successful composers based in the Brill Building. He also had a solo recording career. "Oh Carol", "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen" and "Calendar Girl" are just a few of his hit singles. The piano has always remained important to him and he usually accompanies himself in his live shows. He has also returned to his classical roots performing at "Proms in the Park" in the UK in 2010.

From Quiz Rock's Keyboard Players

Answer: Mike Smith

The Dave Clark Five featuring Mike Smith on vocals and keyboards was the first British Invasion group after the Beatles to have chart success in America. "Glad All Over" reached number six in April, 1964. Mike recorded a solo album titled "Mike Smith Medley" and toured America in 2003 with "Mike Smith's Rock Engine". They performed several DC5 numbers on the tour. The DC5 is a member of the 2008 class of inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Robert Smith played keys for The Cure. Jimmy Smith was a prolific recording artist, recording with the Blue Note label beginning in 1956. Johnny "Hammond" Smith recorded a series of albums with CTI Records. His song "Shifting Gears" was featured on the "Breakbeat" compilation.

From Quiz Piano Men, Elton And Billy

Answer: William Martin Joel

From Quiz Tickling the Ivories--My Piano Heroes

Answer: Charlie Rich

Charlie Rich began his recording career at SUN Records in Memphis, scoring a minor hit with "Lonely Weekends". He had a Top 40 hit in the early 60s with "Mohair Sam". But it was his renditions of "Behind Closed Doors" and "The Most Beautiful Girl" in 1973 that vaulted him to stardom in both the country and pop fields. That year he won the Country Music Association's awards for Best Male Vocalist, Album of the Year (for "Behind Closed Doors") and Single of the Year.

From Quiz That Old Jingly Jangly

Answer: Lang Lang

When he was nine Lang Lang's piano tutor decided he lacked talent. Four years later, at the age of thirteen, he won the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians and performed two Chopin etudes at the Beijing Concert Hall. At fourteen he was the featured soloist when the China National Symphony Orchestra played their inaugural concert. Some critics have called his style over flamboyant, but despite this he became an international star much in demand for concerts all over the world. He was the first Chinese musician ever to be invited to perform with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.

From Quiz Rock's Keyboard Players

Answer: Rod Argent

Rod Argent was the keyboard player for The Zombies and went on to have success with his own group Argent. Argent had a hit album in 1972 with "All Together Now". The LP contained the hit single "Hold Your Head Up". They also recorded the original version of the rock anthem "God Gave Rock 'n Roll to You", written by lead singer Russ Ballard and later covered by KISS. Argent's first album included another Ballard composition titled "Liar" which later became a hit for the Three Dog Knight. In 1999 Rod Argent recorded the piano album "Rod Argent Classically Speaking" featuring works of the great masters and original compositions. In 2006 he toured with Ringo Starr's All Star Band. Tony Banks was the keyboardist and a founding member of Genesis. Duncan MacKay is from 10cc and Danny Federici plays keys for the E Street Band.

From Quiz Piano Men, Elton And Billy

Answer: Christie Brinkley

Easy, huh? Of course Carly Simon was married to another great singer, James Taylor.

From Quiz Who's Tickling The Ivories?

Answer: Gillian Gilbert

Gillian Gilbert was already known by the members of New Order, having played with them as a touring member in their former incarnation as Joy Division.

From Quiz Rock's Keyboard Players

Answer: The Band

In 1966 Canadian born Garth and the members of The Band toured backing Bob Dylan. In 1968 The Band recorded its debut album, "Music from Big Pink", which includes Hudson's organ showcase, "Chest Fever". After years of touring The Band made its final bow with a concert on Thanksgiving Day 1976 at Winterland in San Francisco. The all-star tribute concert is documented in the Martin Scorsese directed film "The Last Waltz". Hudson released his first solo album September 11, 2001, entitled "The Sea To The North". Hudson was inducted into the Juno Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 as a member of The Band. Ron "Pigpen" McKernan used a Hammond organ during most of his tenure with The Grateful Dead until his death in 1973. Scott May was the organist for The Ides Of March and Rick Wakeman played keys for Yes at one time.

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Last Updated May 17 2025 5:51 AM

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