Sue Keller is one of the world’s top ragtime players. She graduated from
DePauw University in 1974 with a degree in theatre and music.
Sue was the Music Director for the prestigious Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival for seven years. During that time, she was able to introduce many pianists to that festival. She also sat on the board of the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest, as president and vice president, judge, and performer. She still judges that contest.
Sue got a mention in the Wall Street Journal in 2021, an article
entitled “Kitten on the Keys, A Long Tale” by John Hasse. Her
performance is embedded in the article, along with Dick Hyman, Corey
Hall, Richard Dowling, and Liberace. And her last ragtime CD, “Cripple
Creek”, a Max Morath compilation with Jeff Barnhart, contains liner
notes by Max. Max told Sue that her performance of his “Anchoria Leland” was perfect.
Last fall, Sue produced her ragtime musical, “Wabash Avenue After Dark” in Chatham, MA. The show is dedicated to the memory and music of “Ragtime Bob” Darch. Bob’s family has granted Sue the rights to everything, including the title tune, and four Lamb rags, Jersey, Walper, House, Beehive, and Alaskan. Although it was originally planned to be a one-act, audience response was tremendous and she is currently writing a second act.
Listen to Sue Keller: