Concert Association Presents ‘Legacy of Floyd Cramer’

The Golden Belt Community Concert Association will present “The Legacy of Floyd Cramer,” featuring Cramer’s grandson, Jason Coleman, playing in the signature style of his grandfather, the Nashville pianist whose smooth “slip note” style made him a musical legend of the 1960s.

Coleman has played the piano since he was barely able to reach the keys. Over time, his playing style has matured into an uncanny reflection of his grandfather’s own artistry. He now enjoys entertaining audiences by giving new life to Floyd’s music.
He began taking piano lessons at age 5 and continued for the next eight years. He sang when he was only 2 years old on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry at one of Floyd’s concerts. Coleman performed twice with Floyd on national TV. At age 4, he sang while Floyd played on “Nashville Now,” hosted by Ralph Emery. As a 9-year-old, he played a memorable Christmas piano duet with his grandfather on “Music City Tonight,” hosted by Lorraine Crook and Crystal Gayle. Coleman also remembers playing on occasion at his grandfather’s live concerts.

Throughout his school years, he was constantly involved in church musicals and school choirs as both a vocalist and accompanist. After high school, Coleman continued his studies at the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University in Nashville. In May 2006, he graduated magna cum laude at the age of 21. As the Music Associate at Parkway Baptist Church in his hometown of Goodlettsville, Tenn., he leads the church’s dynamic contemporary worship service every Sunday morning.
Coleman made his own Grand Ole Opry debut at age 17, when country music legend Hank Locklin asked him to play the piano for him on the classic song, “Please Help Me, I'm Falling,” which Floyd originally recorded with Hank more than 40 years before. Undoubtedly, the highlight of Coleman’s burgeoning musical career occurred in May 2004, when he was given the honor of playing for the Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony recognizing Floyd’s induction into the Hall of Fame.

In September 2006, Coleman released his sophomore album, “Legacy,” a collection of the songs for which his grandfather is best remembered. Included are several of Floyd’s self-penned hits, most notably “Last Date,” as well as instrumental arrangements of country classics by other notable artists – all of whom featured Floyd in their original sessions.
Most recently, Coleman debuted his much-anticipated gospel album, “Faith.” Released in October 2007, the album features uplifting instrumental renditions of a blend of traditional hymns and modern songs of praise.

Jason, now 25, stays busy recording and performing, carrying on the legacy left by his grandfather.