{"id":14627,"date":"2023-07-28T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-28T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/?p=14627"},"modified":"2023-09-28T14:13:45","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T21:13:45","slug":"lawrence-gowan-history-of-rock-piano","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/lawrence-gowan-history-of-rock-piano\/","title":{"rendered":"225 Years of Rock Piano In 10 Minutes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>\u201cRock piano is an attitude to approaching the instrument.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So says Lawrence Gowan, solo artist and also keyboardist of progressive rock band STYX. In fact, he can trace this attitude from Beethoven in the eighteenth century all the way to his own work in 1980s and today. Milestone piano rock songs, according to Gowan, are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><nav><ol><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#piano-sonata-no-8-in-c-minor-op-13-1799\">Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 (1799)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#nat-ayer-king-chanticleer-rag-1910\">Nat Ayer, \u201cKing Chanticleer Rag\u201d (1910)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#little-richard-good-golly-miss-dolly-1958\">Little Richard, \u201cGood Golly Miss Dolly\u201d (1958)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-beatles-lady-madonna-1968\">The Beatles, \u201cLady Madonna\u201d (1968)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#elton-john-goodbye-yellow-brick-road-1973\">Elton John, \u201cGoodbye Yellow Brick Road\u201d (1973)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#queen-somebody-to-love-1976\">Queen, \u201cSomebody to Love\u201d (1976)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#genesis-firth-of-fifth-1973\">Genesis, &#8220;Firth of Fifth&#8221; (1973)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#genesis-turn-it-on-again-1980\">Genesis, \u201cTurn It On Again\u201d (1980)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#gowan-youre-a-strange-animal-1985\">Gowan, \u201c(You\u2019re A) Strange Animal\u201d (1985)<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h2 style=\"font-size:22px\"><b>\ud83c\udfb9 Your Go-To Place for All Things Piano<\/b><\/h2><p>Subscribe to <i>The Note<\/i> for exclusive interviews, fascinating articles, and inspiring lessons delivered straight to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time.<\/p><iframe class=\"email-form-include\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/weeklyemail\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe><\/center><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"piano-sonata-no-8-in-c-minor-op-13-1799\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 (1799)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You might know this piece as the \u201cSonata Path\u00e9tique.\u201d Written in 1798 when Beethoven was 27 years old, it was published in 1799 and showcases the passionate attitude Beethoven and rock musicians are known for. The first movement is moody and dramatic, the second lyrical and romantic, and the third quick and lively.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/iEyy7EfQfUQ\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/best-beethoven-piano-sonatas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Best Beethoven Sonatas<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"nat-ayer-king-chanticleer-rag-1910\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>Nat Ayer, \u201cKing Chanticleer Rag\u201d (1910)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From Beethoven, ragtime pianists like Nat Ayer and Scott Joplin took the piano and gave it an American sound. Pioneered by African-American communities, ragtime would become a distinctly American form of popular music that would influence many genres and artists to come, including European classical composers. Fun fact: ragtime pianists traditionally played with their backs to the audience.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"King Chanticleer, Nat Ayer 1910\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JVytyjouZD0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"little-richard-good-golly-miss-dolly-1958\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>Little Richard, \u201cGood Golly Miss Dolly\u201d (1958)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Little Richard is one of the first true piano rockers. Dubbed the Architect of Rock\u2019n\u2019Roll, Little Richard is remembered for his flamboyant showmanship and energetic playing style, performing while standing up at the piano. Perhaps best known for the hit tune \u201cTutti Frutti,\u201d Little Richard was inducted into the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame in its first cohort of inductees in 1986.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Good Golly Miss Molly\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QTDhQ2QECqE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-beatles-lady-madonna-1968\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><strong>The Beatles, \u201cLady Madonna\u201d (1968)<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Beatles\u2019 roots lay in skiffle, beat, and 1950s rock\u2019n\u2019roll. But history\u2019s most famous band also incorporated classical music, traditional pop, folk, psychedelia, hard rock, and even traditional Indian music traditions into their sound. The piano makes an appearance in many Beatles songs. There&#8217;s the crowd favorite <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-play-let-it-be-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u201cLet It Be\u201d<\/a> and <em>Rubber Soul<\/em>\u2019s \u201cIn My Life,\u201d the piano solo of which was composed and performed by George Martin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Beatles - Lady Madonna\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uLRiGX3L-kw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"elton-john-goodbye-yellow-brick-road-1973\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>Elton John, \u201cGoodbye Yellow Brick Road\u201d (1973)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some consider \u201cGoodbye Yellow Brick Road\u201d as Elton John\u2019s finest work, and it\u2019s hard to disagree. The song was listed at #390 in <em>Rolling Stone<\/em>\u2019s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2010. Elton John&#8217;s longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics, which reference his childhood on a farm in Lincolnshire. &#8220;Goodbye Yellow Brick Road&#8221; is about getting back to one\u2019s roots, which is a common theme in Taupin\u2019s earlier work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (Remastered 2014)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wy709iNG6i8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"queen-somebody-to-love-1976\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><strong>Queen, \u201cSomebody to Love\u201d (1976)<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Queen is a band that needs no introduction. While everyone knows <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/bohemian-rhapsody-sheet-music\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u201cBohemian Rhapsody\u201d<\/a> as <em>the <\/em>piano rock song, \u201cSomebody to Love\u201d offers something new but just as epic with its complex melody and deep layering of vocal tracks. Topping at #2 on the U.K. singles chart and #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., the song features a dramatic range, from F2 in the harmonies to an Ab5 in Freddie Mercury\u2019s lead vocals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Somebody To Love (Remastered 2014)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/g-DF1Mzy_3g?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"genesis-firth-of-fifth-1973\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>Genesis, &#8220;Firth of Fifth&#8221; (1973)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Progressive rock as a genre rose to prominence in the 70s and 80s with bands like Genesis and STYX taking the lead. It\u2019s a style of rock music known for its classical influences, use of keyboard instruments, musical complexity, and lengthy compositions. Tony Banks wrote most of Genesis&#8217; music and &#8220;Firth of Fifth&#8221; is a fantastic example of his intricate and classical-influenced keyboard work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Genesis - Firth Of Fifth (Official Audio)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Rz-tHZEr37I?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"genesis-turn-it-on-again-1980\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><strong><strong>Genesis, \u201cTurn It On Again\u201d (1980)<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In working out his own sound, Gowan paid attention to how Genesis&#8217; music developed from the 1970s to the 1980s. &#8220;Turn It On Again\u201d comes from Genesis\u2019 1980 album <em>Duke. <\/em>The lyrics by Mike Rutherford tells the story of a man who does nothing more than watch television, who begins to believe the people he sees on TV are his friends.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Genesis - Turn It On Again (Official Music Video)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8OIkw9kJ0u4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"gowan-youre-a-strange-animal-1985\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Gowan, \u201c(You\u2019re A) Strange Animal\u201d (1985)<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lawrence Gowan was inspired by the writings of Herman Hesse when he wrote \u201c(You\u2019re A) Strange Animal.\u201d The song is considered his breakthrough success, peaking at #5 on the Canadian album charts. Lawrence Gowan\u2019s musical background began with studying classical piano under the Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music. This classical influence will continue to have an impact on Gowan\u2019s musical career in progressive rock.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"You&#039;re A Strange Animal\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XfGZBlIJttE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-rock-songs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">36 Greatest Piano Rock Songs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h2 style=\"font-size:22px\"><b>\ud83c\udfb9 Learn Piano With Real Teachers<\/b><\/h2><p>The best way to learn piano is with real teachers, but not everyone has the time and money for a private instructor. At Pianote, you can get real feedback from real experts\u2026all from the comfort of your own home. Explore our Method and community yourself with a free 7-day trial.<\/p><p><\/p><a class=\"join\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/trial\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TRY PIANOTE FOR 7 DAYS<\/a><\/center><p><\/p><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cRock piano is an attitude.&#8221; Watch Lawrence Gowan of STYX trace rock music\u2019s origins from Beethoven to modern progressive rock.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":71,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1132,1108],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14627","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-articles","category-musicianship"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14627","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/71"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14627"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14627\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15522,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14627\/revisions\/15522"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14627"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14627"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14627"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}