We had the good fortune of connecting with Randy Keith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Randy, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I am a completely different person than I was when I grew up and lived in LA through my 20s. I often piled up 70-80 hour workaholic weeks between several jobs (I always loved) and owning businesses, Now I plan 2 days off every week with my wife and son along with regular vacations. I continue to educate myself on and practice mindfulness and presence, and am a lover of yoga and spirituality.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started playing the piano, mostly by ear, at the age of 2. Music was always around me, as my parents were trained performers. After adding singing to my repertoire at the age of 11, and discovering Elton John at the age of 14, I ate up “fake books” and just learned how to play and sing songs I liked. I didn’t realize I could actually make a career out of it until a friend invited me to “Howl at the Moon” at Universal Citywalk (Hollywood) in 2001. At that moment, I said “This is what I was made to do.” Since then, I have travelled around the world, on land and sea, with that one vehicle – being a dueling piano entertainer. I have done many solo shows as well, but the brand that I have always learned and enjoyed is having a partner, someone to play off of and harmonize with, among many other things. So I digress – What sets me apart from others, aside from my experience, is my true desire to just enjoy making music and to impart and spread that joy to those in the room. I never want to force a crowd to do what “I want.” It’s all about reading the room and going with the flow.
Of course none of it was easy, until after around my 40th birthday and Covid, it was. The artistic part, anyway.
I overcame the challenges by reaching out, asking for help, having faith, and always getting up even when I fall on my face.
I don’t believe so much that dreams can come true, because for me things that I never even realized I COULD dream of have come true. It is possible in this life when you pursue your joy.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would have to thank all of the people from my first careers in Southern California that still remain my friends… April Dooley, who always encouraged me in my performing career and my writing and pontificating. Also Meghan Reyes, for being the big sister I never had in a cruel world of egos in show business. Sandra Spalek, wherever you are, for having the patience to make me “read more notes” in my piano lessons and encouraging me as “The Best in the West.” Kevin Krohn, for kicking my ass to focus on one thing and be the best at it. I’m sure there’s more.

Website: www.premierpianoshows.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/premierduelingpianos

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/duelingpianosorlando

Facebook: Facebook.com/premierduelingpianos

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/premier-piano-shows-dueling-pianos-orlando-2

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDSLiaPgMfmFHLi3vkOn4GA

Image Credits
Bonnie Keith Elizabeth Douglas Photography

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