Just read the obit. of the man who invented the Rhodes Piano. He was
a very well known/respected piano teacher back in the 30s and 40s.
Then, while teaching as an instructor in the Army during World War
II, he taught his buddies piano during his spare time. It became so
popular that the surgeons at the military hospital got him to teach
their patients as therapy during their recovery. But, he couldn't
practically bring a piano in to teach bedridden soldiers. So, he
took some old airplane parts and cobbled together a 29 key piano that
he could teach the soldiers on, the Rhodes piano was born (in 1947.)
He later developed it further with Joe Fender (the guitar guy.)
Their first product was a bass keyboard, said to mimic the Fender
Bass. But, it wasn't until 1965 when CBS had bought out Fender and
the Rhodes Piano that we know today was successfully marketed. And,
Jazz would never be the same. The passing of a true Acid Jazz
pioneer (whether he knew it or not.)
erik g
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