Every time we played Bingo or Housie, the caller would shout, "Two Fat Ladies—88!" Back then, nobody thought twice about the phrase—but today, it might raise an eyebrow or two. Yet, beyond the bingo lingo, the number 88 holds a special charm.
Did you know? 29th March is the 88th day of the year (in non-leap years), and it’s also celebrated as Piano Day—a tribute to the majestic instrument with its 88 keys.
My Early Encounters with the Piano
My earliest memory of a piano takes me back to kindergarten. We’d sit on tiny chairs in a large hall, divided by blackboards, and in one corner stood a piano. Once or twice a week, a teacher would play, leading us in nursery rhymes. Those joyful half-hour sessions planted the first seeds of my love for music.
Fast forward a few years to seventh standard, and my mother came home with an interesting proposal. Since all of us siblings were musically oriented and good singers, her colleagues in the teachers’ staff room suggested that that she encourage us to play instruments? The primary music teacher, further sweetened the deal with a BOGO (buy one, get one) offer. So my sister and I were both signed up for piano lessons.
Twice a week, we’d walk to the teacher’s house, taking turns at the piano while the other flipped through comic books. With John Thompson’s piano books as our guide, we learned notes, timing, and finger placement—our teacher tapping a pencil on a notebook to keep rhythm. Occasionally, she’d join in, playing the accompaniment, making the music come alive.
Not having a piano at home turned out to be a bit of a hurdle. We occasionally practiced on one at my mother’s school, but it was often out of tune—and as a teenage boy in a girls' school, I sometimes felt too awkward to visit. A small keyboard at home just wasn’t the same.
The formal lessons eventually stopped, but the love for the piano and music never did. Every school performance featured piano accompaniment, and in college, I kept a close watch on my pianist friends’ fingers, eager to pick up a tune or two whenever I got the chance.
Back to 88 – The Radio Days
In April 1988, another musical door opened. I was invited to be a Casual Announcer at All India Radio, Mumbai—a fancy title for a part-time Radio Jockey. I got to spin records, introduce classical pieces, and host music shows like “Music on Parade” and the ever-popular “Saturday Date.”
One song that stood out? Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder’s "Ebony and Ivory"—a beautiful metaphor for harmony, much like the piano’s black and white keys
And then, there’s “Imagine”—John Lennon’s dream of a world without barriers, without religion or materialism—just people, living life in peace. Two ex-Beatles, two timeless songs, both with a vision of unity.
A Grand Piano and a Jazz Medley
All India Radio had a massive recording studio on the fourth floor—with a Steinway grand piano. A beauty of an instrument.
I got to record a few songs there—once with my college band, once with my siblings, and another time with my choir group for Christmas carols. I’ll never forget sitting at that piano, unable to resist playing a few jazz standards—like a medley of "L-O-V-E" (Nat King Cole) and "All of Me" (Louis Armstrong and a string of others).
What Songs Come to Your Mind?
Thinking about it, it’s been exactly three months since I last shared a post featuring music with my wife. That one included another jazz favorite we sang together—“I Wonder Why.”
So, what about you? What songs come to your mind when you see a piano?
Drop your favorites in the comments! And if you enjoy our music, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel - that’s where you’ll find our latest recordings.
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