Happy 57th Birthday to Benmont Tench!!
57 years when this man came to this world. My other inspiration in playing the piano. Actually, I just became interested in him recently. And I wonder, what was I been doing I haven't given him that much attention before. For all of you who don't know, (heck, I wonder if I got readers anyway, lol) he is the keyboardist and one of the founding members of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Born as Benjamin Montmorency Tench III, his road to being a musician is pretty interesting and it kind of stuck to me. See, he was sent to boarding school then went to college. Then on his college break, he went to a concert by Mudcrutch which was then Tom Petty and Mike Campbell's band. And from then on, he became a session musician for different bands. He had piano backgrounds since he was very young so it should not really be a surprise. But, he was a serious student. After being a session keyboardist he still went back to school. No wonder Tom Petty stepped in and asked him to quit school. With a talent like Tench, it should not be wasted. After "long deliberation" Benmont agreed. Haha, if that was me I would've said yes immediately. Now, all Petty had to do was convinced Tench dad who was a Court Judge that "his son had a promising music career." It's kind of like those fictional stories that only happen in the movies. From nerd (I say this with admiration) to being a rock star.
Benmont Tench gives justice to playing the piano and hammond organ. I'm not saying he's the only one though. It's exhilirating to see him play. I kind of see myself in him although not the rock star part. I'm a student nurse, I play the piano, in college but my mind seem to wonder elsewhere. But no matter what's in my mind I still make sure that I do good in school. He just inspire me. That's my statement. For him to pick the right road, I'm still wondering if I'm going at the right direction. Enough with the drama. I wish him good health and to continue making great music with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and with his solos and new supergroup band Works Progress Administration (W.P.A). And thanks for the inspiration.
Here's Tench playing some piano solos:
Those fingers...
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