Jazz pianist Boyd Lee Dunlop got his big break playing a rundown piano in a nursing home. Last year, he released his debut album at the tender age of 85. Now he's back in the studio working on a follow-up. John Chipman's documentary is called, That's Me Playin', Man!

For a photo gallery and more information ...

He gave two concerts every day ... to an audience of no one ... in an empty nursing-home dining room. 

The piano was out of tune. But Boyd Lee Dunlop's long, nimble fingers just couldn't stop playing. 

And then one day, somebody listened.

Photojournalist Brendan Bannon walked into that Buffalo, New York nursing home to talk about a job taking pictures of the residents. The first person he encountered was Boyd.

"I'm a piano player," Boyd said. Those few words began a conversation that has developed into a remarkable friendship .... and collaboration.

In his heyday, decades ago, Boyd Lee Dunlop played regular gigs in Buffalo's raucous jazz scene. His younger brother Frankie Dunlop was a famous drummer, who performed with the likes of Thelonius Monk and Charles Mingus. 

Boyd's career never soared like that. He never recorded an album of his own. He was pretty much forgotten. 

Last year, Brendan Bannon became executive producer of 85-year-old Boyd Lee Dunlop's debut album. Boyd's Blues was a runaway success.

Last month, work on act two began.

Related Links:

Brendan Bannon's website - more Boyd Lee Dunlop photos

Boyd's Blues