95-Year-Old Musician Julian Lee Plays Piano After Suffering Stroke

95-Year-Old Julian Lee has been ”tickling the ivories” his whole life. But this great jazz musician hasn’t played in years after a stroke left him unable to use his right arm. When famous trumpeter James Morrison dropped in to visit Julian they decided to play some tunes together.

Julian was born in New Zealand. He was blind from birth but that didn’t stop his obvious love of music. By age six, he was hooked. His ability to hear music and arrange complicated patterns made him wildly popular in the 1960s. Julian arranged pieces for Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Chet Baker and a host of other jazz “greats”.

In the 70’s Julian moved to Australia and began a well-known career there. He continued to play and even hosted a weekly radio program. More recently Julian has suffered from strokes. He stopped playing after losing the use of his right arm. When a few of his jazz musician friends stopped by for a visit, they couldn’t help but encourage Julian to play again. And boy, did he! The friends set up a keyboard near Julian’s chair and within moments, he was playing with his left hand like nothing had happened. His “runs” on the keyboard were amazing but what was the most capturing was Julian’s smile as he got into the music. There is no stopping this great pianist from doing what he loves most and is so passionate about! We’re all smiles too seeing Julian in his element again with his friends!