Today, May 7, is Jim Lowe’s birthday. He recorded one of my very favorite records from the Fifties, “Green Door”. I was about 15 when this song became a big hit in 1956, staying at the number one position on Billboard’s charts for three weeks. Jim Lowe was like several other singers who started out as disc jockeys and then turned to recording to diversify their career. J.P.Richardson (The Big Bopper) was another disc jockey who recorded briefly before he was killed in the plane crash that also killed Buddy Holly and Richie Valens.

The magic of “Green Door” lies in the piano. I have always believed the piano to be a great rock and roll instrument. Look at Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard, both masters at rock and roll piano. I truly love to listen to “Green Door” and the piano solo toward the middle is my favorite part.

So, today, I want to say, Happy Birthday, Jim.

“Green Door”: