Richard Hills plays Tiger Rag on theatre organ

Richard Hills plays 'Tiger Rag' on the Wurlitzer organ in the Assembly Hall, Worthing, UK. The video was taken by David Reed and the audio by John Leeming. The occasion was the Worthing Theatres' 'Open House' day when members of the public wandered in and out of various parts of the building over a period of about four hours.
If the magic of the theatre organ delights you, and you'd like to listen to live shows, learn how these instruments work, discover recordings and podcasts, or even play one, there are plenty of opportunities.
Go to www.cinema-organs.org.uk for more details

[@kiqw]

This performance does not seem humanly possible. FANTASTIC to say the least.

[@JohnLeeming23]

It's real. No smoke and mirrors!

[@paullangford8179]

Human plus organ!

[@josefk.8754]

Richard must come from another galaxy :-) THANKS SO MUCH!

[@kennethwhitlock2671]

Dont know how you can make one single negative comment about his guy, Man, Im a church organist and this guys i just about the hottest Organist I have heard, hes not just good He's Phenomenal, no matter how you feel about the way he plays, He Da Man

[@jurgen4301]

Das stimmt. Er spielt schneller als ich gucken kann.

[@Raul1971xxx]

​@@jurgen4301Ganz richtig.. 👍👍🇪🇸🇪🇸

[@Raul1971xxx]

Yes, He is really overqualified.. 👍👍🇪🇸🇪🇸

[@timd7782]

What a performance! The theater organ is the mightiest (and hardest) instruments on planet earth. Mr. Hills - you wield it like a Jedi wields a light saber! Bravo!!!!

[@10-3leader]

This is how the Wurlitzer is supposed to be played. Brilliantly done.

[@retiredsk8tr1953]

It is clear that Mr. Hills has a sound foundation and a highly developed technique with respect to scales, fingering...etc. But most of all he is extremely musical. As a classically trained organist I have much respect for what I see and hear in this video. My hat's off to you Mr. Hill! thank you for this post.

[@marjabosmann6927]

Beautyfull .

[@MelosAntropon]

I'm an organist, but not a big fan of theater organ. But this man is a genius. Phenomenal technique - times 5 - and incredible musicianship. Excellent use of the "double touch" feature, also. I admire superb performing on any instrument from pennywhistle to accordion, though classical organ is my favorite (I am an organist), but world class is world class, no matter where you find it. This man is world class.

[@frankchambers8583]

I've only just stumbled across this. Truly staggering performance. Hugely enjoyable.

[@JohnLeeming23]

+Frank Chambers Thanks, Frank.

[@michaelkemp1294]

A virtuoso performance from a most accomplished organist. Lifts the spirits to hear playing like this. Thank you Richard.

[@garyruffer4845]

Michael Kemp j

[@JoePeterzak]

That note at 1:27 was the sound of the organ's English Post Horn. The English Post Horn is one of the most liked stop or pipes of the Theatre Organ. This organ has a very good example of this stop. I love the "ripping metal" sound it makes.

[@MyOrganist]

Marvellous. This performer is really showing what a theatre organ is all about. There are some rather uninformed comments, Richard Hills knows what he is doing -- and he is doing it damned well!

[@Josh-ez2kw]

Both hands and feet playing different notes at the same time!!!......good lord, I have trouble walking and chewing gum. Absolutely brilliant.

[@TheTazz969]

Great talent & skill, must take years to reach this level.

[@rich8037]

Every so often I revisit this and it's always even better than my memory told me. Frankly it completely deserves to stand alongside Art Tatum's rendering of the same tune in the annals of improbably virtuosity.

[@K2shadowfax]

Simply phenomenal!

[@KPO6859]

This is an arrangement he performs when the mood strikes him. Not every theater organ is as crisp as this, and each performance is unique based on the venue and instrument. He is a fabulous performer, talented musician, and a nice man, and this is one of many songs he plays very well - not all this flamboyant. Personally I am inspired to hear this video repeatedly. There are some vintage organists I can do without, but others love them. Fine. We have differing tastes. Just be polite about it!

[@clippedlad]

One Word to describe Organ And Organist: BRILLIANT. Any fool who says organ music is boring, should check this excellent performance out as they would soon change their mind. Well done to all who made this possible! Ben Jordan, 18 year old organist and organ NUT!!!

[@Renshen1957]

With do respect to my late organ teachers (classical music) this is a whole level above beyond virtuosity. A performance I wouldn’t have beiieved without seeing. Subscribed and Like? You bet!

[@ThePilot314]

NEVER have heard it BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@marmite-land]

Ever heard of the photoplayer 😏 ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5vcipJne8yUeLc

[@ianhead9477]

Reg Dixons version

[@1969Wilus]

It was a great thrill to hear Richard Hills play this live at the Troxy in London yesterday (7/1/17) , with even more bells and whistles! He and Simon Gledhill also spoke very eloquently and entertainingly about the history of theatre organ music.

[@robstockton2463]

Wow, would have loved to be there.

[@rowanlidbury]

A registration master class! (And that's from a Church Organist). An imaginative, skilled and tonally comprehensive performance using probably the entire instrument. Superb! :o)

[@accousticdecay]

a most amazing performance. 5 stars!

[@ThePilot314]

again and again .................... always superb!!!!!! Simply WONDERFUL

[@MegaFPVFlyer]

And a thanks to the unsung hero here: John Leeming. The audio quality is fantastic! I swear I can feel every pedal note in my chest.

[@JohnLeeming23]

Thanks, Jonah!

[@Tmanaz480]

Audio engineer here... Yes. You nailed it! Perspective/ambience, soundstage, frequency balance...all A+.

[@mrbigarms]

I saw Richard Hills perform yesterday and was totally blown away, he seems to have a super human ability.

[@dcminingtv9427]

Can’t stop listening to this song! Great rendition!

[@rogerking406]

I've been lucky enough to witness some virtuoso music performances in my 3 score yrs + 10, most of them as an organist, but that is amongst the best of the best. Incredible. Thank you, Richard, for sharing your skills with us on this platform.

[@Goodchappy]

I keep coming back to this performance, its amazing. I saw Richard Hills dueting with Simon Gledhill in Watford Town Hall a few years ago. These guys are REAL musicians. That Worthing organ is a gem as well.

[@mrflamewars]

This is astonishing, particularly so because he is just not stressed at all. Just going at it and not even bothered.

[@grandmoller]

I would like to know if there happens to be a theatre organist on this planet that can even approach the mastery of this man. I sincerely doubt it. UNBELIEVABLE!

[@nyterpfan]

BRILLIANT---this is VIRTUOSO playing!! Mr Hills, you are INCREDIBLE!! (Swear to God--if Art Tatum played this piece on the Wurlitzer this is what it would sound like!!)

[@larrycooper7408]

I've been playing organ for over 50 years but Richard is absolutely the very best.

[@barbaralcharles]

He plays like a maniac and he looks so calm! Sensational.

[@paullangford8179]

Watch a master at anything, and you'll see exactly the same expression as they concentrate on something especially complex: a mastercarver, a top-line computer programmer, a gymnast... The rest of the world vanishes.

[@kznte]

You haven't heard a huge theatre organ played until you've heard this!!! Flawless performance :)

[@organbuilder272]

Damn, that guyknows his way around a keyboard.

[@matthieubazile3350]

The improvisation skills are incredible!

[@richardharrold9736]

You should hear how he plays it these days, with bits of Elgar, Widor and Duruflé thrown in for fun, plus a big solo pedal cadenza for good measure...

[@PeterWillson]

I can't believe how fantastic this is!

[@robertm2000]

It's as much fun watching Richard Hills play as it is to listen to him!

[@georgewhitehead8185]

Richard Hills Rocks...Magic, Lightning Fingers (and toes) Wow! What a Concert. Smoked the Organ!

[@kieraneastwood-mulvaney8736]

This is possibly the best rendition of this piece I’ve ever heard on a theatre organ from what I’ve heard Even a lot of the heralded theatre organists have never played this piece with so much variety, control and precision! Well done! Absolutely stunning!!!

[@JesusisJesus]

This is jaw dropping stuff. The level of skill is superhuman. Watch it again and look closely at the pipe lag, he’s got that shit figured out.

[@kevinduggan8956]

Last saw Richard on the mighty wurlitzer at the Victoria Hall in Saltaire, awesome entry and exit through the floor amazing. Also took us for a guided tour of the whole wurlitzer set up afterwards. A true genius and gent. Thanks!

[@lotsabears]

HOLY COW! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!! Bravo Richard!!!!!!

[@kevinduggan8956]

The legendary Richard Hills on the mighty wurlitzer

[@JohnLeeming23]

The mics were positioned carefully after experimentation. You listen to a theatre organ in the room. The room is very important to the overall blend of the sound. Therefore you record the music in the room, and not in the organ chambers.

[@apxpandy4965]

Haven't watched this for a while - and, it's still one of the best! Thanks for being such a great performer. I'm exhausted - just watching!

[@Yaledmot]

Thanks John and Richard for a superb representation of the theatre organ!

[@kimrunic5874]

Unreal performance. Love it when all the tabs dip at 2:13

[@DrivermanO]

I was fortunate to attend Worthing High School for Boys in the 1960s, when it was a proper school. We had Annual Speech days in the Assembly Hall, but that Wurtlizer wasn't there then (well, I don't remember it). But when the new school buildings were opened, we had our very own ex-cinema organ with its own loft in the main hall. Played every day (not by me) for assembly, and concerts. Wonderful stuff. But this performance blows everything else away! Keep coming back - first saw it 7 years ago!

[@MarcoVenustus]

I've put this videos in my favorites a while ago. Now I'm watching it again and I remember why I did it. That sounds like an orchestra :D

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

Incredible control and memory! Thanks for the upload.

[@JohnLeeming23]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@robstockton2463]

I wonder if it is, indeed, entirely memorized, or are sections improved?

[@apxpandy4965]

Wow, my fingers were exhausted - just watching! Great technique - thanks!

[@glendakirby5579]

Wow! what an instrument, what skill.Absolutely brilliant.

[@daviddiffenderfer3836]

Terrific show at Blackwood 10/14/2018, Thanks!!!!!

[@myszka1uk]

I'm from the UK, I'm 52 and a ex nightclub Dj. I first heard a record of a Wurlitzer when I was 14 (1974) in the likes of a guy called Leon Berry (Chicago). From that moment on I was hooked on what these unbelievable machines can do and the awesome sounds they produce. I have never seen a Wurlitzer or heard one live but it's in my to do list before I throw a 7. I cannot play a note but from lots of reading I know a fair bit about these organs. Crazy I know. From watching videos of other theatre organists I can say Richard Hills is at the top of my list for someone to watch. I am stunned by the speed and accuracy of his playing. I need to find out where this guy is playing so I can see him. You are one genius on the keyboard Mr Hills and I look forward to seeing you play the Wurlitzer one day.

[@capacityplus]

you might like to visit the tower ballroom. Probably the best Wurlitzer in the UK and I think it's played to the public most days. Check out these very informative videos: Blackpool Tower Wurlitzer (Part 1) then (part 2)

[@robertireson1564]

myszka1uk I know this reply is very late, but you should contact the Cinema Organ Society, they have quite a few organs & they do concerts. If you visit Australia there is the Theatre Organ Society in most states & in the US there is ATOS I think you can guess what the letters stand for.. Also there’s lots of great recordings available in all 3 countries mentioned, Regards, Rob.

[@yatescr]

Insane. Simply insane!

[@vaslav030547]

Amazing!

[@TheWhitecloak]

Re: evdanker There are a number of unexpected controls on a theatre organ. One being the white buttons under the keyboards which are pre-set to operate the stop tabs. Richard only has to press one of these for an instant to change the whole sound of the organ. Another hidden effect is incorporated in some of the keyboards and pedal. That is the Second touch ie. the key is depressed the normal depth which plays the sounds set on that key board. by selecting a second touch stop tab and depressing the key a little further, an extra sound can be played. For example, Flutes on the first touch and trumpet on the second touch. That way he can bring out a melody or counter melody with the same hand. Watch Richard's fingers closely and you may notice him doing just that at times. As far as I know this is unique to theatre organs. Good example at 0:46

[@1190-3-t]

Some church organs built in the 1900s and 1910s have this feature as well (for example those built by German manufacturer Weigle), but the style in organ building that made use of it died off eventually in the 1920s.

[@Trompetteenchamade]

Not only a technical tour de force, but the organ does indeed jump! Spectacular RH technique, intermanual fireworks, classic LH playing countermelody and upbeats simultaneously, all over a musically satisfying pedal line that makes use of unusually creative voice leading. I particularly enjoy the wide range of tonal color Mr. Hills uses--no stagnant registrations here. It's a blast to hear! Do note that the video leads the audio by one beat in the music.

[@splinterfoot]

Not only is Richard's playing awesome, but look at the Wurlitzer - He didn't have to play around any ciphers, missed notes, combination sticking or any other glitches in the organ. Hats off to the maintenance team and all the people behind the scenes to make this possible !! Been around these things for over 40 years and they can be cantankerous at times -KUDOS

[@mcrosby5013]

wow!!!! I am so impressed,in awh of your mind blowing talent... Im an instant fan! Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@klavier1us]

I can only hope there will be many more posts from this huge talent. This Tiger wasn't just held its' a** was whipped off! Not just a "Rag" it was in tatters, it out ran its' own stripes. No cage built that can hold this Tiger. I have been around and done some TO playing for over 40 years. I've seen and heard 'em all and don't say this lightly by any means:no one played better than this. This is superbly voiced, played and very well taped-first class on all fronts. Bravo & encore please!

[@richardcasey7521]

I just LOVE theatre organs. This one looks a Wurlitzer.

[@GuruRasaVonWerder]

Wow! Skill is OFF THE CHART! Bravo! Encore!😸😻😻😻😻😻😸😸😸😸😸👏👏👏👈👈👈👈👈👈👈👌👌👌👌👌✌✌✌✌✌👂👂👂👂👂

[@graemewebber9948]

Just fantastic playing from Richard Hills. Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful.

[@ronphelps9253]

I am amazed at the speed of your fingers.....always enjoyed hearing the diversity of this organ....it can do anything but the dishes.....

[@wurlitzer895]

Couldn't put it better myself. I also am a classical organist of very limited ability but in past years did dabble in playing theatre organs, and believe me, they are incredibly difficult to play well, but very easy to play badly. Richard Hills is up there with the best of both classical and theatre organists. Total admiration for his technical mastery and superb musicianship. Like you, I've often wondered what JSB would have made of the technology and tonal resources of such an instrument.

[@tilozoru1255]

I keep coming back to this video of Richard Hills playing the Tiger Rag, This is one of the finest dexterity tests by far... almost looks alien when playing all three keyboards... HUGE FAN of Richard Hills and I'm sure I'll be back in three days to see/enjoy it all over again...

[@smudger671]

Some nifty finger work here.

[@wjniemi]

Astoundingly great. Former Wurlitzer salesman, here. Back then we had Glenn Derringer. If they still made organs, they'd have Richard Hills.

[@zapitozapata]

Bravoooo!!!! Great performance! Great tonal painting, very clean and clear. You achieved something very hard: played something really fast without sounding rushed. Bravo bravo bravo!!!

[@graemewebber9948]

Simply a Wizard - what wonderful playing !!

[@williamalston1532]

He deserved far better applause than he received because that was CRAZY good! That's the downside of being an organist. Such huge technique and chops. Bravo! Dead audience. Very unappreciative of his skills. Play on anyway Sir!

[@JohnLeeming23]

It wasn't a public performance. It was performed for filming, and the applause at the end was from a few people who happened to be standing around.

[@WellbredNfedKembleTV]

Either or ...it takes a bit to ward a Brit audience. I agree ...fantastic, PHENOMENAL technique xoxo :)

[@mikeclemens4082]

Perhaps the audience was too stunned to chap. They should have been!!

[@robstockton2463]

I think there are only a few people listening, and there may be a bit of stunned silence as well.

[@sandrakleinman7215]

A true organist plays it out of the love for the music, not the praise.

[@1koolness]

This guy is absolutely fabulous!!👍

[@danw1955]

WOW! I'll bet the relays on all the pipe boxes are smoking after that little excursion!😮 That was just nuts! This guy needs an extra hand or 2 grafted onto his body, because he could probably use them as well!!🤣 What a performance!😁🎵🎶🎵👍👍

[@Charles-Reardon]

2:50 is my favourite part!

[@tom7601]

Simply fantastic. Thank you for sharing your talent and to the technicians who recorded the video, cheers!!!

[@cinema104]

Thank God for You Tube. It shows us the great artistry of musicians like Mr. Hills as well as his mastery of such a complex instrument. Tom NYC

[@78chuck]

What a fantastic arrangement!

[@quickfoxxes]

Thank you for the selection itself, but more important, that you have perfected your skills to such an admirable level of competency. The wonderful instrument was wrung out by your technical ability and the registration choices. Bravo!! Hope for more "period pieces" of this representative music of times past for the Wurlitzer. Such fun!!! Thanks indeed!!!

[@woollyfingers]

Fabulous! I was lucky enough to catch a recital by Richard Hills in Hereford (on the cathedral organ) last week and was totally blown away by his technique, musicianship, musical curiosity and sense of humour. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@gerobrauer4599]

No words can explain this! It's simply more than great,guy!

[@musical_lolu4811]

Richard Hills and Wayne Marshall are just fantastic on this instrument man! Love them.

[@biggestelk]

I play the classical organ (albeit at a limited level) but my appreciation for the skill and musicianship of this calibre and absolute mastery of the instrument leaves me breathless! Wonder what Bach would have done with this variation of the organ?!

[@bcoxsoundguy]

Sweet job. Fidelity is just fine. THIS IS YOU TUBE FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! Entertaining to watch and listen to. Thanks for posting this video for the planet. The practice it takes to pull something like this off and make it look that easy is huge. I appreciate your taking the time to tape and post stuff like this.

[@jeanneuzarhudson8207]

I AM Gob-smacked. When I was in the southern United States, near Anderson, South Carolina there is a well known aggie college called Clemson. Their football, (That's U.S. football) team is, "The Clemson Tigers" You all have guessed by now this is their theme song. I have watched the greats play these Mighty Instruments, Story, Wright, Hazelton, etc. never have I seen such zeal while playing. Awesome, "Well done You!"

[@rickbullock4331]

Wow! Amazing, I wish my Father was still alive to see and hear this gentleman on the big theatre organ, he would have loved it. 👍👍

[@32pedalnotes]

OMG! BRAVO! You beat da hell out of that organ! Man you got soul! Its all there, swinging, singing, running, chords, registration. Your audience is clueless! You are far worthy of more than that lack luster applause. You are my new favorite! Encore! Encore!

[@OscarMSmithMusic]

This is officially my favourite video on KZbin!! Wow Richard every time I hear you play, even if its accompanying the choir in Westminster, it's always exciting!!!

[@Mordent9]

Phenomenal and loads of fun! Loved that honking Kinura!

[@Tmanaz480]

Mark Holmstrom ... Yes! If you're going to play a Theater Organ, flaunt it.

[@johnpocock225]

Everytime I'm feeling blue I play this wonderful piece ......cheers me up no end the man's got magic fingers ....thanks

[@cathrynmartin4395]

I learned to play on a regular Hammond organ - 2 tiers of 88 keys and found it to be an amazing instrument, but this theatre organ and that man's playing ability are beyond amazing! Just too cool to watch and listen to them!

[@antm64]

WOW!!! Flying fingers and fast moving hands! I would love to have seen more of what his feet were doing. Incredible traveling from keyboard to keyboard!

[@Organgrinder1010]

I'm winded just watching! He's fantastic! Incredibly accurate in addition to being faster than I thought humanly possible!

[@GK-ev5rd]

Tremendous! As a Kid I'd go to the ballpark with my Dad in Detroit and see the Tigers play in the late 50s early 60s. They would play Tiger Rag when the infielders were taking infield practice...it was done in those days and I can see and hear it now! What a great memory from the past! HOLD THAT TIGER!

[@youssarianwhisker2679]

someone here in 2020 listening to that awesome masterpiece?

[@trainiacvideos3832]

Such style and a great sound love it. A beautiful Wurlitzer and great organist

[@chriswilson2431]

Wow. This could be the closest man will ever be to being an octopus! Just amazing. Didn’t even break a sweat. Well done that man!!!!

[@marjabosmann6927]

Fantastisch zeg,zo mooi kan je dit beluisteren thuis op je computer. Meesterlijk.wat klinkt dit goed .

[@JohnLeeming23]

Enorm bedankt, Marja.

[@organbuilder272]

People are all blown out by some of the improvisations done by classic organists. suppose they have not seen this fellow. I'm impressed.

[@donbradley3953]

Awe inspiring performance. So glad I came accross this video.