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.