March 6, 2009

"He was in pain all the time. He cried."

"I bought him a toy piano."

5 comments:

Peter V. Bella said...

This is an enlightening story of accomplishment in the face of adversity. His life gives hope that if one pursues a dream or a purpose, one can and will succeed in any worthwhile endeavor.

ricpic said...

He had beautiful hands.

Deana said...

Wow.

I love his take on "My Funny Valentine." So sublime.

His story makes a person appreciate life, in all of its imperfect forms.

And it makes you want to be a little easier on yourself, you know?

The Dude said...

Man, that is playing. Glad I saw that - had never heard of him before. Caravan is marvelous.

I was wondering how he could reach the pedals - a custom made Steinway to the rescue.

Remarkable talent overcoming handicaps that most of us will never face. What an accomplished human being.

Kev said...

I discovered Michel's music while I was a college radio DJ, and it was always outstanding. I knew he had some physical challenges, but I had no idea the extent of what he'd gone through.

(I'm not a big fan of political correctness, and it takes a lot to offend me, but I was none too happy with a listener who called up one time and requested a tune by "that midget piano player." I was civil about it, but I made sure that the listener knew that Petrucciani had a name and not just a disability.)