George Winston plays for North Idaho College

George Winston, best known for his piano solos, has inspired many for 40+ years and sold over 15 million albums. When listening to his piano solos, it sounds as though the piano is being played with at least four hands. Winston says the left hand is used as if it were drums or a guitar. He uses the left hand to play what both hands would normally do, and the right hand is free to fill in the rest.

As the concert began, people were asked to turn off all devices, as no pictures or videos would be allowed during the show. The lights went off and people waited in quiet anticipation, awaiting the moment when lights would be turned back on and George Winston would enter the stage. Throughout the concert, Winston mainly played the piano during the concert. He also played two songs on the guitar and a song on the harmonica near the end of the show.

After the concert, the Sentinel sat down in an interview with George Winston.

Q: What inspired your music?
Growing up in Eastern Montana, Winston says, the seasons were very distinct. “I think of everything in terms of seasons.” Winston explained. Whereas other people may think in terms of words, he relates things to seasons. “I think everybody is a listener, has a way of listening.” He explained that his way of listening is through the seasons. He added that this concert was his summer/spring concert, and he may give a winter/fall concert later.

George Winston plays Linus of the Sea after his concert at North Idaho College.

Q: What kinds of work habits do you feel led to your success?
Winston says that the main thing is to show up, and things will happen. Get to the piano, the guitar, whatever instrument-just do it. He went on to explain that, as a 19 year old, he was still living in his parents house and he had a revelation. Like, ‘what do I do with my life?’ But at 29, he felt like he was pulling everything together.

Q: What advice would you give to college students majoring in music?
“Learn chords and music theory.” was Winston’s first advice. Especially the major/minor chords, he says. “Knowing chords is sort of like knowing words.” Winston explained. The chords are like the words and the notes are the letters. He added that with music you should practice hard things, but do fun things also. Push yourself but don’t forget to have fun with music.

Q: Was there ever a moment in your childhood that you think led you to making the music that has inspired so many people?
Winston began playing the organ at 18. When he heard The Doors, an American rock band formed in Las Angeles it changed him from being a listener to a player. Eventually, he switched from playing the organ to the piano. He advises that you get away from working on music sometimes. If you need a break then you should take it.

Q: Was there ever a time where you gave up or nearly gave up music? What most inspired you to keep moving forward?
Yes, Winston explained. In 1977 he quit because he couldn’t play as well as Fats Waller, an American jazz pianist, not realizing that no one else could either. But in 1979 when Winston heard Professor Longhair, a New Orleans blues singer and pianist, he felt music pulling to him. He said that he just knew that he had to get back to music.

In 2017 Winston released an album titled “Spring Carousel-A Cancer Research Benefit.” He released the album after surviving cancer, and he shared that during his recovery he was able to play the piano, which he said helped a lot. His most recent album “Restless Wind” was released May 3rd, 2019.