Six O’Clock Triple Shot – 9/18/14 First Piano Made In America

(The Six O'Clock Triple Shot is a daily feature of three songs that share a common theme, heard weeknights on 94.9 WMMQ)

Tonight, we look back on a day in American History that had effects, not only on rock 'n roll, but music as a whole. The Boston Gazette reported that John Harris had made the first piano on American soil this day, September 18, 1769. The first ever piano was reportedly made as early as 1700. Since the instrument's inception, many a musical geniuses have mastered the art of tickling the ivories. However, with rock 'n' roll, the piano became a less prominent feature of bands as the electric guitar gained in popularity throughout the 60's and 70's. But, many successful bands have had a piano as a main staple throughout their careers. Names like Billy Joel, Leon Russell, Roy Bittan, and Jim Steinman continue to carry on the piano's legacy in rock started by guys like Jerry Lee Lewis and Billy Preston. But, tonight, I've handpicked three of my favorite rock pianists to feature for tonight's Six O'Clock Triple Shot.

Obviously, this conversation likely begins and ends with one name...Elton John. "Bennie and The Jets" starts us off, followed by music from Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. Benmont Tench may be one of the most underrated, not only piano players, but musicians as a whole of all time. His skills are prominently displayed in a live version of "It's Good To Be King". And lastly, the late great Freddie Mercury, also a great keyboardist, not just singer, shows off on "Seven Seas Of Rhye". Tune in to hear the greatness, only on 94.9 WMMQ!