MUSIC INDUSTRY: History of the Lounge Pianist

The lounge pianist has a long history, almost as long as the jazz musician and ragtime player—perhaps longer. My guess is that the job dates back to the late 1800s and was born in a plush hotel lobby adjacent to a major train station. Popular songs of the day or light classical pieces were played in a relaxing, uplifting style, either to ease the stress of a pending rail trip or to unwind guests checking in or gathering in the lobby prior to dinner….