Floyd Cramer: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2003

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/floyd-cramer/bio/

Pianist Floyd Cramer was one of the originators of the so-called “Nashville Sound.”  He taught himself to play piano.

After his first single, Dancin’ Diana in 1953, he toured with Elvis Presley.

He moved to Nashville in 1955 and played alongside country and rock greats.

Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley  (1956): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PotB76gi2_4

He was mainly a session man, but had a hit of his own in 1960.

Last Date (1960): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvfG9uFswis

On the Rebound (1961): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKwq6UW9bnU

San Antonio Rose (1961): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUR2EAXycTY

After his brief solo success, he continued as a session man and solo artist.

He died of cancer in 1997.