Famous Musicians & Their Preferred Pianos
Steinway & Sons
- Steinway & Sons is rather famous for their large artists program. They continue to partner with musicians around the globe to promote their brand. Touring artists have use of Steinway pianos on tours through the company’s “piano banks.” Well over 90% of performing pianists continue to choose Steinway grand pianos.
- Duke Ellington (1899-1974): Known for his upbeat jazz style, Duke Ellington helped define the genre and forge a new path for many following musicians. Having worked with other immortals such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and John Coltrane, Duke Ellington surely is remembered widely as a man of great talent.
- George Gershwin (1898-1937): Jazz icon George Gershwin is usually known for his unique sound and active role in musical theatre. Arguably his most famous song, Rhapsody In Blue, transcends genre and showcases his true ability as a pianist and composer.
- Arthur Rubinstein (1887-1982): Considered to be one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century, Arthur Rubinstein, masterfully played classical music is still loved today. With a career spanning eight decades, his musical skill has been witnessed by countless people.
- Mack Sisters (Present): These sisters (Yuki & Tomoko Mack) play a wide variety of music and genres and often play four-hands piano or large orchestral works. They’re known for their keen ability to work in tandem and create such dynamic music together.
- Vladimir Horowitz (1903-1989): Recognized as another great of the 20th century, Vladimir Horowitz was Ukrainian-born and taught to play piano by his mother. His playing focused heavily on classical works and he played with several large orchestras and philharmonics all over the world.
Mason & Hamlin
- Mason & Hamlin has their own artists roll. Some of the finest pianists of all time preferred the use of Mason & Hamlin grand pianos. The company continues to compete with Steinway & Sons’ artists program on a more limited basis.
- Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943): As one of history’s greatest pianists of all time, Sergei’s use of Mason & Hamlin pianos on his first tour in the United States helped Mason & Hamlin achieve fame and compete against Steinway & Sons. Later, he would switch to Steinway who rewarded him heavily for utilizing their instruments.
- Jarrod Radnich (Present): Often called a “child prodigy” while growing up, Jarrod Radnich, is a renowned pianist and has a plethora of YouTube videos (with over 80 million video fans) showcasing his playing of famous songs like Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and more. Jarrod recently signed with Mason & Hamlin in 2012, but has already garnered a lot of attention among piano amateurs and fantastic musicians alike.
Fazioli
- Fazioli doesn’t have a roster of signed artists, as Fazioli prefers that artists have the freedom to select the piano that they feel is right for their particular tastes. However, a number of accomplished artists have become enamored with the Fazioli quality and tone.
- Herbie Hancock (Present): While Herbie has made his namesake in Jazz, he sees himself as someone who defies genres and sets the tone for “modern music.” Herbie worked with many immortals like Miles Davis, who in his own biography spoke very highly of Herbie and his abilities.
- Angela Hewitt (Present): Known for her beautiful classical renditions, Angela Hewitt’s preferred piano is the Fazioli. Angela regularly posts lecture videos on YouTube with examples of her masterful piano abilities ever present.
Kawai
- The venerable Kawai company also has a roster of signed artists and boasts it proudly on their website. Their pianos are often selected by artists at the highest competitive levels.
- OneRepublic (Present): Kawai offers digital and electronic pianos that have become very popular among modern bands like OneRepublic. That being said, OneRepublic also performs on acoustic Kawai pianos for some songs like “Apologize.”
- Muse (Present): Known especially for their electronic sound, Muse, is an alternative rock band from England. Though, they have become a favorite among the alternative rock scene in the United States, as well.
- Joe Bongiorno (Present): One of Kawai’s largest advocates is Joe Bongiorno, who at first abandoned his piano lessons to become a professional athlete. Only to later realize his “sport” was playing piano. He offers a host of YouTube videos showcases his strong abilities.
Yamaha
- Yamaha has a long list for its artists roster, as they offer many instruments. In terms of the piano, Yamaha has a variety of artists from many different genres on their artist roster.
- Chick Corea (Present): Having made a career in jazz and redefining the genre with acoustic jazz, Chick Corea has won 22 Grammy awards and continues to defy genre with his electronic bands. Chick Corea played with Herbie Hancock often in the 70s and 80s, which undoubtedly aided both of their success.
- Ben Folds (Present): Having made an impact in modern music and with his amazing piano abilities, Ben Folds is seen as a popular genre-bending modern artist. He seems to have yet to hit is peak and still performs and is creating new music often. Ben Folds used to be a Baldwin piano fan, but has switched to Yamaha and now travels with his personal piano.
- Elton John (Present): Known for his musical theater works and his incredibly popular songs, Elton John has made his name ever present with Disney movies like The Lion King. He is still touring and showcasing his piano abilities on Yamaha pianos.
- Anne-Marie McDermott (Present): As a classically trained pianist, Anne-Marie MacDermott is still having a strong impact on the classical community today. She has played with many well-known orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, Hong Kong Philharmonic and many state symphonies.
References:
https://www.steinway.com/music-and-artists
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/arthur-rubinstein-about-arthur-rubinstein/693/
http://masonhamlin.com/news/?p=46
http://www.kawaius.com/kawai_artists/kawai_artists-new.html
http://www.boosey.com/pages/cr/composer/composer_main.asp?composerid=2861&ttype=BIOGRAPHY
http://www.herbiehancock.com/home.php#aboutherbie.php
http://www.angelahewitt.com/discography/
https://joebongiorno.com/joes-story
http://chickcorea.com/about-chick/#.WQofo4nyuYU
https://www.benfolds.com/biography
http://annemariemcdermott.net/page4/biography.html
https://www.biography.com/people/vladimir-horowitz-9344230
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