The Greatest American Hero Piano Concerto
March 25th, 2004
I was forced to learn piano.
I never wanted to. Never felt the need to. But strangely, there I was, sitting next to my piano teacher trying to determine what piece I would learn for the upcoming recital. There was Brahms, Beethoven, Scott Joplin and a slew of other dead composers whose piano concertos were dull, drab and (forgive me) boring.
“But this is a piano recital.”
At least, that’s what my piano teacher, the wife of the local High School chorus director, told me. I needed to pick something that was within my skill level, something that would inspire and engage the audience, and something that was less than five minutes. There was, obviously, a time constraint.
“I’m not really into Classical,” I told her.
She was obviously annoyed, turning around on her squeaky spinning seat thingie… She picked up a huge pile of music, dropping it in my lap.
“Pick one. Any one. But pick one.”
When I returned the next week, I had one particular piece in mind. In fact, the only piece I had in mind. The theme song from the ABC cult-hit The Greatest American Hero. The words itself, sung by a Christopher Cross wannabe, would both inspire and engage the audience as I played…
Believe it or not, I’m walking on air
I never thought I could be so free-ee-ee
Flying away on a wing and a prayer
Who could it be…?
Believe it or not, it’s just me!
This is too good to be true-oooh
Look at me
Falling for you…
I learned the piece like no one’s biz’ness. I followed some Asian kid playing Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin and a piece from The Four Seasons by Vivaldi. I bopped in my seat as I sang (inside) the words to my favorite show starring William Katt, Connie Selleca and Robert Culp. And out in the audience, my parents sat proudly, unsure of what it was they were hearing.
Everyone else, I believe, was laughing at me. Inside. Laughing inside.
But I bucked the system. Came out on top. And did justice to one of the greatest American television shows ever produced…at a piano recital.
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In other news, time flies when you’re having fun — tomorrow (Friday) will be another edition of Words For Your Enjoyment. That’s where you, anonymous reader, e-mails me an idea for our Friday entry… If your quirky idea is chosen, I’ll use it and provide a link to your blog — which, on the black market, is worth about $0.00 dollars.
At least someone else can recognize great TV when they see it! Come on- what better concept for a TV show than a dorky schoolteacher who gets super powers he can’t figure out how to use?!? The hijinks!
Such a shame that a potential classic never lasted for more than a couple years. It’s sad when a TV show’s theme song is more memorable than the actual show…
Comment by Kristi — March 25, 2004 @ 8:12 am
Bite your tongue! The SHOW itself was so memorable! Hell, did you know Sandler is going to star in the movie version?
Comment by Pauly D — March 25, 2004 @ 10:16 am
Great story! I used to LOVE that show.
Comment by Hilary — March 25, 2004 @ 10:24 am
I had a huge crush on the Greatest American Hero. In fact, the boy I took to my school dance that year was chosen entirely for his blonde curly hair. Never was able to get him into the red leotard, though.
Comment by lori — March 25, 2004 @ 10:27 am
Yes but the real question, lori, is have you gotten any of your present day boys to wear the red leotard?
Comment by Pauly D — March 25, 2004 @ 10:48 am
These days, my problem is more about trying to find men who DON’T want to wear red leotards.
Comment by lori — March 25, 2004 @ 2:09 pm
Rock on.
Comment by Laren — March 25, 2004 @ 2:59 pm
Hello Greatest American Hero Fans!
Come join us at the new “TheGreatestAmericanHero” Yahoo group at:
http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGreatestAmericanHero
Now under new management, we are striving to be the #1 resource for everything related to The Greatest American Hero. Pictures, files, messages, all sorts of info, chat, and more! Cast bios, where-are-they-now photos, the list goes on and on.
So come on over and join us. Become an active member, and, between all of us, we’ll make a great group even greater.
As Bill Maxwell would say, “That’s the scenario, kids.”
-Tony Bufort
Owner, “TheGreatestAmericanHero” Yahoo Group
Comment by Tony Bufort — July 12, 2004 @ 11:02 am
Wow, Tony - that was an awesome commercial for your forum. I am heading there right this minute!
Comment by Pauly D — July 12, 2004 @ 11:06 am
Hi, Paul! Are you fine?
I’d like to receive the score (partiture) containing musical notations of the instruments: guitar, bass, piano and keyboards of the song “Greatest American Hero”.
I need to present such (this) song in a school, next month.
Please, send me to e-mails: “carpediemagno@yahoo.com.br” or “magnusmusico@hotmail.com”.
Thank you.
Magnum.
Comment by Magnum Majetero — May 18, 2005 @ 6:33 am
Can you do a concerto with the Adam’s Family theme song? I’m a boppin’, I’m a poppin’, I’m a gonna make it to EL…AAAAAAAY. Someday.
And she wonders whatever for? There are no trees,
it’s a hundred degrees, just south of there is a town with fleas…
Comment by Kristine — August 1, 2006 @ 2:50 pm
i love the song, can you send me the piano piece you played? please? thanks!
Comment by mg — October 16, 2006 @ 1:32 am