Without any doubt the Fifties and Sixties were the heyday of the popular pianist, each playing in their own instantly recognisable style.
Leader of the pack, Russ Conway, had the whole country whistling, humming and tapping their feet and fingers to his catchy tunes China Tea, Side Saddle and Roulette.
Prior to Russ's arrival, Joe "Mr Piano" Henderson had ruled the roost with his laid-back style of playing, reminiscent of another legendary ivory tinkler of an earlier era, the great Charlie Kunz.
The American pianist Liberace was as famous for his extravagant costumes and candleabra-decked piano as for the extravagant flourishes of his elegantly-cuffed hands upon the keyboard.
Conway and Liberace each had two number-one records.
Perhaps there is another Russ Conway, Winifred Atwell or Mrs Mills just waiting inthe wings to be discovered by an X-Factorstyle show for piano players?
-Michael Parker, Brighton
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