Philip Springer, 94, playing "Santa Baby" (which he wrote)

[MathOfInsects]

This came across my feed today. Someone asked Philip Springer, who wrote "Santa Baby" in 1953, if he would record himself playing and singing it. Here is what the 94-year-old Springer sent back:

 

https://www.facebook.com/donald.romano.1/videos/10217629172818262

[Bobadohshe]

Love it for so many reasons. I love the Chopin Etude open on the piano. I love his energy as he enthusiastically greets the camera at the beginning of the vid. And his playing is still hip and full of touch and so many delicious bits.

[lightbg]

There"s something about 94 year olds that mystifies me. Two years ago while doing my 10 week physical therapy after my triple bypass I met Henry. He was distinctive in many ways, mostly dress. Always wore jeans, a flannel shirt, a belt, and suspenders. His only concession to therapy was he was forced to buy a pair of sneakers so he wouldn"t mar the warmup/cool down track. His attitude blew me away. He always checked with his therapist as to the order of activities and if any counts increased, and followed instructions like a bulldog. He was a bit shaky when walking, so he was allowed to use a walker, which he proceeded to wear the wheels off. Being a mere lad of 67 I used to lap him when we shared the track, and I usually asked him how he was. 'Not bad for an old man' was his standard reply. On my last day I finally asked him his age: 92! Henry has been my inspiration ever since, but after watching this vid he now has company.

 

This proves the tag line about playing and aging - if you want it bad enough you can do it.

 

Jake

[yannis D]

I like the way he plays, just like good old wine that ages well in a bottle

[MAJUSCULE]

Wow. If we should all be so lucky.

[El Lobo]

Thanks. I enjoyed that. Shared on Facebook.

 

Long fingers. That's a piano player. In my next life I want to come back with fingers long enough to play a 12th.

[Joe Muscara]

That's by far my favorite version of the song, so thanks for that!

 

[i'm so tired of female singers cooing this tune and guys going gaga over them. OTOH, this version was fun and may be truer to its original tongue-in-cheek intent.)

[ProfD]

Awesome. A great composition stands the test of time and sounds good on anything as long as it's well played. Mr. Philip Springer is too hip for the room.