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

[@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!!!!

[@jeffpapas5562]

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

[@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!

[@Josh-ez2kw]

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

[@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 .

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@mrflamewars]

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

[@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.

[@larrycooper7408]

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

[@michaelkemp1294]

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

[@garyruffer4845]

Michael Kemp j

[@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.

[@frankchambers8583]

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

[@JohnLeeming23]

+Frank Chambers Thanks, Frank.

[@smudger671]

Some nifty finger work here.

[@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.. 👍👍🇪🇸🇪🇸

[@georgewhitehead8185]

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

[@kznte]

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

[@kevinduggan8956]

The legendary Richard Hills on the mighty wurlitzer

[@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.

[@youssarianwhisker2679]

someone here in 2020 listening to that awesome masterpiece?

[@robertm2000]

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

[@ThePilot314]

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

[@marmite-land]

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

[@ianhead9477]

Reg Dixons version

[@mrbigarms]

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

[@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!!)

[@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.

[@TheTazz969]

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

[@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.

[@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...

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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)

[@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!

[@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!

[@1koolness]

This guy is absolutely fabulous!!👍

[@K2shadowfax]

Simply phenomenal!

[@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

[@wjniemi]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@richardcasey7521]

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

[@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.

[@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+.

[@dcminingtv9427]

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

[@9fq6z]

Every time I feel grumpy, sad or negative, I watch this and I feel better!

[@yatescr]

Insane. Simply insane!

[@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

[@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!

[@kimrunic5874]

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

[@tilozoru1255]

Only Richard Hills could smoke a keyboard like that! World Class Fingers!!! Bravo!!!

[@scottw5476]

My grandkids are going nuts over this thing not having a computer in it.

[@musical_lolu4811]

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

[@PeterWillson]

I can't believe how fantastic this is!

[@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...

[@accousticdecay]

a most amazing performance. 5 stars!

[@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!"

[@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.

[@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!

[@apxpandy4965]

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

[@ThePilot314]

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

[@bryan9587]

HOLY. FUCKING. SHIT. This was fucking beautiful! Amazing organ, and an even more amazing organist! What a beautiful performance!

[@Yaledmot]

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

[@martinmeier8510]

Wow and Wow! Fantastic! What a marvelous virtuoso!

[@KellieEverts--conductsNightTra]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@iltromboncini32]

As a predecessor of mine at Westminster Abbey (an unfortunately non-ballroom environment), I can safely say that Richard is world-class at what he does. Bravo!

[@larryfried7742]

I pretty much agree with many of the posters on here. Has to be one of the best "All Around Theater organ" version of Hold That Tiger I've ever heard. Amazing virtuoso chops throughout the entire song. Richard Hills really knows how to make that organ SING! He's really GREAT!

[@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.

[@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

[@mcrosby5013]

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

[@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?

[@Goodchappy]

@MelosAntropon I am also an organist and not a particular fan of cinema organs because of all the vibrato fuzz but I totally agree with you Richard Hills is a master of the art!

[@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.....

[@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. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@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.

[@pilotusa]

Amazing! Richard Hills is having TOO MUCH FUN!

[@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!!!

[@BenEmberley]

Richard was awesome when I knew him back in King's Rochester when he played at the Cathedral for School services. I miss his playing.

[@JesterJukebox]

WOW! What more can I say, but WOW!! again?

[@timstoffel4799]

An incredible performance that would put a lot of classical organists to shame. This performance combines sheer virtuosity with an intimate knowledge of the instrument's resources. Bravo! Bravo! My new favorite theater organ recording!

[@alamedaOrgan]

How could anyone ask for more?? Utterly fantastic. There is no doubt that Richard Hills is my favorite organist!

[@marjabosmann6927]

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

[@JohnLeeming23]

Enorm bedankt, Marja.

[@art3030]

Absolutely amazing. I'm near 80 years old and have never seen anything like that.

[@glendakirby5579]

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

[@graemewebber9948]

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

[@jkmek99]

Richard, you have magic hands!

[@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. 👍👍

[@femboyorganist]

what a fun doot-machine brought to life by an amazing performance! The Theaterorgan is sadly very underappreciated, maybe even forgotten over here in europe

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@romainbornes22]

Such a fantastic organist! I had the privilege of playing alongside him in a concert and I have no idea how he did it - in a few hours of practice, he got to grips with the intricate registrational scheme of the organ... Untold hours of practice have gone into thia....

[@daviddiffenderfer3836]

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

[@quentinbellamy]

Marvellous! Simply marvellous!

[@johnpocock225]

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