Piano Connections: The Studio of Megan Hughes

Here is little Frank “Sugar Chile” Robinson (often mistakenly thought to be Little Richard) playing up a storm with his fists and elbows at the age of about 7. That kid could clearly have gotten music out of a sofa cushion. I’ll bet the piano teachers are horrified.

Little Frank was a child prodigy and played with Lionel Hampton, appeared in movies, toured with Count Basie and played for President Harry Truman. Then, rather become an adolescent has-been, which happens to most prodigies,  he dropped out of the music business to get an education. He got a degree in history and one in psychology.

Thanks to my brother Joe for this video. Growing up with me, he knows good piano playing when he sees and hears it.

Tagged: Child prodigy, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Piano, Sugar Chile Robinson

Comments are closed.