Ron Steen Band with John Gilmore

My mother was a terrific singer. We used to sing duets at the piano. Dad knew a little bit about the piano, so he’d show me basic chords. I sang first and learned how to accompany myself later. I finally asked for lessons, so they got me a wonderful teacher who used to play piano for Dezi Arnaz. He showed me right off the bat how chords were made, how they progressed, so I learned about theory and harmony before I learned about the rudiments, so I was able to love it right away; I was fourteen. I went to UCLA and majored in Music. They have a renowned vocal program, and I got into glee club, choral singing, and group singing of classical music. My first paying gig was in a church, I was around eleven, I played the drums. We did the Motown tune,”Money,” and people threw money at us. I always hoped I’d be a professional musician. I think of myself as a singer who plays piano, not the other way around. As I got older, I enjoyed jazz as a form more.

Sinatra: He was helped a lot by Tommy Dorsey, who’d say to Frank, “I’ll take care of the music; you take care of the lyrics.” He really instilled in Frank how to interpret a song; and it’s been helpful for me too. I owe my dad a lot about teaching me to sing … what to think about while singing. He used to say, let the song do the work. That’s how important the words are. I worked in a restaurant in Beverly Hills called Jimmy’s where Sinatra was a customer. He came in one night and sat right in front of me. He didn’t like people playing his material for him. I remember thinking while I was playing; better not play anything he’s famous for! He actually applauded. One time he came in with Sammy Davis, Gregory Peck and Ed McMahon. I couldn’t believe I was playing for those guys.

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