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Born 74 Years Ago Today in Alabama, the Man Who Wrote Hits for Conway Twitty and Gave Us One of the Most Iconic Piano Intros of All Time
American Songwriter marks the 74th birthday of Randy McCormick, the Alabama-born keyboardist and songwriter behind the distinctive piano introduction to Bob Seger's 1979 hit "Old Time Rock and Roll". The article celebrates his largely behind-the-scenes contribution to a song made iconic by the 1983 film Risky Business, highlighting how a session musician's brief improvised part became one of the most recognisable openings in rock music.
Born in Rogersville, Alabama, on 12 July 1952, McCormick was playing piano by ear before kindergarten and performing with rock and roll bands by the sixth grade, later recording with Percy Sledge while still in high school. His long career as a session musician includes credits alongside James Brown, Rosanne Cash, Kenny Chesney, Elvis Costello, Tim McGraw, George Strait, Shania Twain and Dionne Warwick. He also wrote the number-one hits "Crazy in Love" for Conway Twitty, "Real Love" for Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, and "Suspicions" for Eddie Rabbitt, and recalls improvising the famous 16-note intro on the spot when asked for ideas in the studio.
Explained simply
Randy McCormick is an American keyboardist and songwriter who created one of rock music's most instantly recognisable moments without becoming a household name. In 1979, he improvised the distinctive 16-note piano introduction to Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock and Roll", a brief musical interlude that became iconic, particularly after the song featured prominently in the 1983 film Risky Business.
Beyond this famous piano line, McCormick has pursued a prolific songwriting and recording career. He wrote number-one hits for Conway Twitty, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, and Eddie Rabbitt, and recorded with artists ranging from James Brown and Elvis Costello to Kenny Chesney and Shania Twain.
McCormick's story illustrates how session musicians and songwriters shape popular music behind the scenes, often remaining anonymous to listeners who hear their work millions of times. His improvised piano part continues to define how people remember a classic rock song more than four decades after its release, despite his role in creating it being largely overlooked.
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