All of you that dislike this because he's playing it fast, you obviously overlooked he's an entertainer at Disneyland! his job is to entertain seven year old kids. tThe whole purpose is to play an extremely hard piece of music incredibly fast to amaze is audience. If you want a well perfomed classical piece of music, go to the opera hall or something not disneyland.
I worked in Ride Operations (Frontierland) at Disneyland from ‘69 to ‘73. Almost every day after my shift I would stop on the way out by Coke Corner to watch Rod Miller play the piano. This was my favorite tune and he never refused to play it when I asked him to do so. He maintained that he could not read music. Once, a young girl asked if he knew The Entertainer (since this was popular after the movie, The Sting, had come out). He feigned ignorance and had her sit down at the piano and show him. About half-way through the piece he got behind her and reached around her with both hands to play the piece octaves apart. He really made this girl happy as he did for so many others. He was truly a Great Entertainer. For those of you posting negative comments about the way it is played, why don’t you post your own version here and let us see how it should “really” be played.
I remember watching this video a lot when I was a kid and started playing blues and traditional jazz. I can't believe it's been almost 17 years. Time flies, just as his hands on this mindblowing performance.
This is the way I remember him from when I used to work in the park. I would go on my days off and stand for hours at a time just to listen and chat with him. Rod didn't have to work to play the tunes; he WAS the tunes and merely bringing the music out. His energy and enthusiasm really made the difference in his playing. I miss him dearly. HE WAS THE BEST!
Fantastic! For those who say he's playing too fast, you're missing the point. Obviously he is "amping it up" for effect. It's called SHOWBOATING or showing off. In that sense, he's paying homage to the novelty acts of the early 20th Century. Keep in mind - this is in Disneyland! He's catching people's attention and having fun!
I don't care what anyone says, this guy friggin ROCKS! I know ragtime is not supposed to be played fast but this guy is obviously having a ball playing it! And he even improves it. The amazing thing is that he doesn't even seem to be concentrating at all! His hands just move by them selves! AWESOME!
We ALL know that this piece is supposed to played slower - WE ALL KNOW THAT and he knows that too. This guy was known for his fast playing and personality. I've been to Disneyland too many times to know that. I'm sure when he goes home at night, he can play the most heart-felt, incredibly meaningful classical piece at the correct tempo. Yes, he's playing it too fast BUT he's not playing a concert at Carnegie Hall....he's a Disneyland entertaining for a bunch of tourists for godsakes.
What a DUMB comment! I played this song by Scott Joplin NUMBEROUS times and it's VERY difficult to play. Rod Miller is playing this in a different key and he's added some things to the song. I'd say this dude deserves some PROPS! He's one of the KINGS in my opinion. Over three decades of playing for disneyland speaks VOLUMES in my opinion.
I worked at Disneyland back in the mid 70’s across Main St from Rod. We used to talk on his lunch. I was amazed to find out he couldn’t read music and he played by ear. On a day off I was in the park and I watched him play. He could play any song you named and he could make it ragtime
I can't even begin to comprehend what this beast of a piano player is doing. He's playing a syncopated rhythm, at a ridiculous speed, while not looking half the time, while carrying on the occasional mini conversation. He's even playing his own version of a song, while improvising (probably) all while keeping a steady, syncopated rhythm. I feel like I have been slapped in the face by God.
What a nice thing to find on RUclips! I went to Anaheim several years back and duetted with Rod for a half-hour or so in the evening - what a great guy!
I remember him, when I visit Disneyland in early 90's, he was there, I met him in the swimming pool, he go to swim almost every night, live close to Cerritos , CA. Met him in grocery store 2 years ago said he retired already ..I hope he is doing well now!
I grew up in SoCal in the 1970's and worked at Disneyland for awhile. Rod Miller was a great guy and a fantastic piano player. As for the speed - I've heard him play this song at normal speed, but think about it - he played day-in day-out for thousands of different people everyday. I think playing at different speeds was just meant entertain people and keep from getting bored himself.
Man, this guy is great! i mean, I'm no piano player, trust me, but this guy rocks! when i go there in two weeks, I'd love to see the guy play, he has a GREAT stage presence, thats what makes this a quaddrillion times better!
....from a piano player that made a good livin as a kid for seven years playing Ragtime........this man is THE BEST ragtime pianist in my time....in my opinion.
Rod was the best. He was perfect for the job. Disneyland has not been the same since he stopped working there. His playing of Maple Leaf was a signature piece for him. For anyone that states, "you're not supposed to play it this way" the correct reply is "YOU are not supposed to play it this way, if that's what you want. Rod and anyone else can play it any way they want." That's the great thing about great music, it stands up to different interpretations. This version is perfect.
Rod Miller needs some sort of civil award for being the greatest man alive, i love his cheeky eyebrow raises that say 'im the greatest thing since sliced bread, and i know it'.
I agree. It is fun just to watch him play while he grins and talks to the crowd. Simply great. I can play it fast if I wanted to or to "Tempo de Marcia" or throw in a bit of improvisation to make it stand from the others. I think there are room for some of these ragtime pieces to do those things. Simply fun to watch him play. Who cares what other people say putting him down for playing it fast. He certainly did not mangle it. Criminy, this was at Disney Land. Have a little fun, people.
@mediaguardian Yeah, but ragtime is so much fun to play fast! Plus, if you listen carefully, Rod really simplified the piece so all the notes didn't get convoluted like they would have had the actual piece, as Joplin wrote it, been played this fast.
For all you people that say he played it too fast with too many wrong notes, just shut up. He truly is amazing and just because you can't do as well doesn't mean that you can insult him
@mediaguardian yeah, but it's not like people at Disney are gonna critique him. They're gonna want to see stuff that seems more talented than sounds good. Disney is always trying to be better and faster, etc. So they probably want anyone working there to do the same
I hear you buddy, I've been practicing this piece for years and I still can't even come close to 75% of his speed. Never mind with that much clarity AND improvisation. Rod miller is a true modern god of Ragtime.
So well stated, Mechonized, if Rod played the piece straight, people would yawn and walk away unimpressed. Disneyland has a big WOW factor. A performer must be unique and exceptional to last 35 years in that setting. People kept coming back over the years to see him.
I spent months for this piece. I finally come close to play it without mistake and relatively fast. But this just makes me want to give up. So impressive..... wow... just wow... :/
Giants like MR. ROD MILLER can make and may do whatever they want with his instrument and talent. If too fast, not the originally key etc. etc. sounds silly comments, don`t talk nonsense just enjoy one of the greates ever. I heard him for hours twice at Disney´s and were one of my two happiest days in life!
Great! Just noticed - G MAJOR!? I play ragtime as well, and I sit between the purists and the let'em rips. In the end, the philosophy I find works well here is that we need 'em both. There are a lot of guys out there making great ragtime music, the steady Eddies like Joshua Rifkin and Dick Hymen, as well as the wilder ones like Marty Mincer and Sue Keller. I'm thrilled that I discovered a ragtimer that I didn't know before. Bravo, Rod! (Even if it's in the wrong key ;-))
All of you that dislike this because he's playing it fast, you obviously overlooked he's an entertainer at Disneyland! his job is to entertain seven year old kids. tThe whole purpose is to play an extremely hard piece of music incredibly fast to amaze is audience. If you want a well perfomed classical piece of music, go to the opera hall or something not disneyland.
I worked in Ride Operations (Frontierland) at Disneyland from ‘69 to ‘73. Almost every day after my shift I would stop on the way out by Coke Corner to watch Rod Miller play the piano. This was my favorite tune and he never refused to play it when I asked him to do so. He maintained that he could not read music. Once, a young girl asked if he knew The Entertainer (since this was popular after the movie, The Sting, had come out). He feigned ignorance and had her sit down at the piano and show him. About half-way through the piece he got behind her and reached around her with both hands to play the piece octaves apart. He really made this girl happy as he did for so many others. He was truly a Great Entertainer. For those of you posting negative comments about the way it is played, why don’t you post your own version here and let us see how it should “really” be played.
I remember watching this video a lot when I was a kid and started playing blues and traditional jazz.
I can't believe it's been almost 17 years.
Time flies, just as his hands on this mindblowing performance.
When I saw the video length I assumed it was only a part of the piece.
I was wrong.
This is the way I remember him from when I used to work in the park. I would go on my days off and stand for hours at a time just to listen and chat with him. Rod didn't have to work to play the tunes; he WAS the tunes and merely bringing the music out. His energy and enthusiasm really made the difference in his playing. I miss him dearly. HE WAS THE BEST!
LMAO, i love how he SHREDS it on the piano while looking at ppl and smiling, LMAO
The smiles lol
Fantastic! For those who say he's playing too fast, you're missing the point.
Obviously he is "amping it up" for effect. It's called SHOWBOATING or showing off. In that sense, he's paying homage to the novelty acts of the early 20th Century.
Keep in mind - this is in Disneyland! He's catching people's attention and having fun!
This never ceases to amaze me! So intense but so laid back yet almost comical!
My fingers got cramps just watching Rod do this.
Genius interpretation. 😮
When I was 11 years old at Disneyland, he let me sit-in and play his piano. I also played "maple leaf rag" by Scott Joplin. I'll never forget him..
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I don't care what anyone says, this guy friggin ROCKS! I know ragtime is not supposed to be played fast but this guy is obviously having a ball playing it! And he even improves it. The amazing thing is that he doesn't even seem to be concentrating at all! His hands just move by them selves! AWESOME!
We ALL know that this piece is supposed to played slower - WE ALL KNOW THAT and he knows that too. This guy was known for his fast playing and personality. I've been to Disneyland too many times to know that. I'm sure when he goes home at night, he can play the most heart-felt, incredibly meaningful classical piece at the correct tempo. Yes, he's playing it too fast BUT he's not playing a concert at Carnegie Hall....he's a Disneyland entertaining for a bunch of tourists for godsakes.
Love that despite the faster than normal tempo, he kept the correct and same tempo throughout... Amazing... no words!
One of many great musicians who played regularly at Disneyland. That was one of the best parts of going there.
What a DUMB comment! I played this song by Scott Joplin NUMBEROUS times and it's VERY difficult to play. Rod Miller is playing this in a different key and he's added some things to the song. I'd say this dude deserves some PROPS! He's one of the KINGS in my opinion. Over three decades of playing for disneyland speaks VOLUMES in my opinion.
In one word - Awesome
I worked at Disneyland back in the mid 70’s across Main St from Rod. We used to talk on his lunch. I was amazed to find out he couldn’t read music and he played by ear.
On a day off I was in the park and I watched him play. He could play any song you named and he could make it ragtime
you gotta be kidding me. this is incredible. this guy's a genius on the keys
All I can say is WOW! This guy is terrific! Wish I had heard him in person!
This is one of my favorite piano performances on the internet.
His sister and I lived in the apartment behind Rod in the earlyb70s. Some of the best years of my life.
Get's me every time. What a maniac!! :D
This guy is amazing! It makes me want to get up and dance! :)
I can't even begin to comprehend what this beast of a piano player is doing. He's playing a syncopated rhythm, at a ridiculous speed, while not looking half the time, while carrying on the occasional mini conversation. He's even playing his own version of a song, while improvising (probably) all while keeping a steady, syncopated rhythm. I feel like I have been slapped in the face by God.
What a nice thing to find on RUclips! I went to Anaheim several years back and duetted with Rod for a half-hour or so in the evening - what a great guy!
I remember him, when I visit Disneyland in early 90's, he was there, I met him in the swimming pool, he go to swim almost every night, live close to Cerritos , CA.
Met him in grocery store 2 years ago said he retired already ..I hope he is doing well now!
My dad and husband both worked at DLand and we saw this wonderful, friendly and talented guy alot. He never got tired of Joplin requests!
I miss seeing this guy play, I haven't been to Disney in long time...I always made it a point to see him whenever i was there...
I remember seeing this guy play as a kid and not wanting to move on! I just wanna to hang out and listen to the crazy fast piano man
you are probably the best piano player I have ever heard!!!
Wow... Incredible. That takes some talent. He did it so easily, and relaxed. Fantastic.
i just love he makes it seem so easily. i mean hell he just non-chauntly says hi to a guest and doesnt miss a note
I love watching Rod Miller play. Always with a big smile on his face and smoke coming out of the piano! lol
I don't like overly fast ragtime but that's incredible. His improvisation was great too.
This is so awesome. Especially how he does the swings.
This is the best arrangement of maple leaf rag I’ve heard
OMG...that is just stunning.
This guy must be so thrilled to bring people back to that era - I would be.
I grew up in SoCal in the 1970's and worked at Disneyland for awhile. Rod Miller was a great guy and a fantastic piano player. As for the speed - I've heard him play this song at normal speed, but think about it - he played day-in day-out for thousands of different people everyday. I think playing at different speeds was just meant entertain people and keep from getting bored himself.
I just wanna said..!! Some day I will get to Disney again along with mi family, just to see Mr Miller play again, God bless him.
He's playing that tune over and over at disney so that's why he knows it by heart..lol :D
THIS VIDEO IS MY FOVOURITE!!!
I go his CD last time I saw him perform. Absolutely incredible!
My facial expression O.O oh my! Fantastic job!!!!
The smile on his face says “hey everyone, check it out, I’m playing it in G”
Agreed, he sure does play it amazingly well.
Man, this guy is great! i mean, I'm no piano player, trust me, but this guy rocks! when i go there in two weeks, I'd love to see the guy play, he has a GREAT stage presence, thats what makes this a quaddrillion times better!
This guy is amazing. Never seen a faster pianist, and with so few mistakes. Love the cover of Maple Leaf too.
fast and clean at that! i love rod miller
I can't say ill of this man
Keep on rocking Rod
....from a piano player that made a good livin as a kid for seven years playing Ragtime........this man is THE BEST ragtime pianist in my time....in my opinion.
great disney land california - best piano , player saw him in person in the 90' , great piano player . I need to practice some more !
thats awesome... i want to meet him so badly...
Jesus that's AMAZING!
this is amazing
Rod was the best. He was perfect for the job. Disneyland has not been the same since he stopped working there. His playing of Maple Leaf was a signature piece for him. For anyone that states, "you're not supposed to play it this way" the correct reply is "YOU are not supposed to play it this way, if that's what you want. Rod and anyone else can play it any way they want." That's the great thing about great music, it stands up to different interpretations. This version is perfect.
This guy is amazing.
one amazing pianist
Rod Miller needs some sort of civil award for being the greatest man alive, i love his cheeky eyebrow raises that say 'im the greatest thing since sliced bread, and i know it'.
I agree. It is fun just to watch him play while he grins and talks to the crowd. Simply great. I can play it fast if I wanted to or to "Tempo de Marcia" or throw in a bit of improvisation to make it stand from the others. I think there are room for some of these ragtime pieces to do those things. Simply fun to watch him play. Who cares what other people say putting him down for playing it fast. He certainly did not mangle it. Criminy, this was at Disney Land. Have a little fun, people.
Lol, this guy is pure class. He reminds me of those old 30s movies. Or a saloon player (on steroids!). Great stuff.
@mediaguardian Yeah, but ragtime is so much fun to play fast! Plus, if you listen carefully, Rod really simplified the piece so all the notes didn't get convoluted like they would have had the actual piece, as Joplin wrote it, been played this fast.
Fantastic!!!
I like how he talks a little to the crowd while playing makes me laugh :)
For all you people that say he played it too fast with too many wrong notes, just shut up. He truly is amazing and just because you can't do as well doesn't mean that you can insult him
I wouldn't mind going to Disneyland just to hear this fellow in person!!
Rod Miller! My Idol! What he does is awesome and can not be copied! He is and will always be unique!
Playing fast is hard but playing this fast and have the melody come out this amazing its incredible.
UNBELIEVABLE!
That left hands crazy! Amazing man!
this guy is amazing!!!!!!!!!!
love this song, and he plays it really well =)
i've seen many of these fast-piano players but, i've gotta say he's the best.
thats... FRIKKIN AWESOME!!
great job man man man!!!!
Dayumn that's awesome
@mediaguardian yeah, but it's not like people at Disney are gonna critique him. They're gonna want to see stuff that seems more talented than sounds good. Disney is always trying to be better and faster, etc. So they probably want anyone working there to do the same
genius. this man is my hero.
That's good quality for 1993!
I hear you buddy, I've been practicing this piece for years and I still can't even come close to 75% of his speed. Never mind with that much clarity AND improvisation. Rod miller is a true modern god of Ragtime.
ROD MILLER IS LEGEND! AND PART OF THE ORGINAL DISNEYLAND HISTORY. 👍👍
If feet start tappin to what your playin, then son, you're playin it right.
i love this guy
That's some crazy awesome muscle memory right there!!
oh my god, he truly rocks! :D
I wasn't able to stay still when I heard him playing. lol
I've watched this guy at the Magic Kingdom on several occasions, and believe me he is iincredible!
So well stated, Mechonized, if Rod played the piece straight, people would yawn and walk away unimpressed. Disneyland has a big WOW factor. A performer must be unique and exceptional to last 35 years in that setting. People kept coming back over the years to see him.
drool... he's such a nice man, i'll miss him at my next visit to dland
I spent months for this piece. I finally come close to play it without mistake and relatively fast. But this just makes me want to give up. So impressive..... wow... just wow... :/
Brilliant!
ojala algun dia pueda conocerlo!! no words.
Giants like MR. ROD MILLER can make and may do whatever they want with his instrument and talent. If too fast, not the originally key etc. etc. sounds silly comments, don`t talk nonsense just enjoy one of the greates ever. I heard him for hours twice at Disney´s and were one of my two happiest days in life!
That message was for WorldRCPianistPlayer below. Rod Miller is a fantastic player, and I've enjoyed seeing him for years at Disneyland.
@bonesstorage well said... if anyone can play at that speed and hold conversations with people, it's simply out of this world
Great! Just noticed - G MAJOR!? I play ragtime as well, and I sit between the purists and the let'em rips. In the end, the philosophy I find works well here is that we need 'em both. There are a lot of guys out there making great ragtime music, the steady Eddies like Joshua Rifkin and Dick Hymen, as well as the wilder ones like Marty Mincer and Sue Keller. I'm thrilled that I discovered a ragtimer that I didn't know before. Bravo, Rod! (Even if it's in the wrong key ;-))
nice improvisations!
I love it!
One of the few songs that sounds great really fast ! And if you don't think so don't watch it... the end.