91 year old pianist still entertaining audiences

As people get older they often don’t keep up with the talents they’ve developed over a lifetime — but not Dollie McKenzie. At 91 years old her piano playing is as sharp as ever.

For most of her 91 years, McKenzie has been performing in front of audiences. Now she does it mostly at concerts at MorningStar Senior Living where she lives. She says music has always enriched her life.

“It’s a wonderful outlet for me,” McKenzie said. “I guess music is my main thing.”

McKenzie passed on that love of music to her daughter, Beverly Solomon, who is an accomplished pianist too, and often performs with her mother. But it doesn’t stop there.

Granddaughter Jenny Solomon has inherited musical ability too, and together they do something you don’t see very often – piano trios. It’s rewarding for McKenzie.

“It’s fulfilling, and hopefully they appreciate all the time I spent with them getting them to practice,” McKenzie said.

Solomon says she does appreciate it now.

“There was a time as a teenager when I hated it, and I didn’t want to practice, and would do anything to get out of if it, but she said, ‘you’ll thank me some day,’ and I do,” Solomon said.

People often ask McKenzie how she maintains her piano skills.

“I keep asking myself that,” McKenzie said. “I don’t know. It’s because I keep using my fingers and practicing, and if I didn’t I’m sure they would get stiff.”

McKenzie offers this advice to stay young.

“Keep exercising. Ride your bicycle. Practice the piano.”

Now that this concert if over, McKenzie is already thinking about what to play for her next one, so she can entertain her friends at the senior living center, where they love her music.