Piano in Lobby

Did You Know?

This famous piano was built in 1905 by the Stodart Piano Company out of New York and is a California Bungalow Baby Grand.

One of the original owners was Clark Gable. He gave the piano to his wife, Carole Lombard, as an anniversary gift. They were married in 1939 during a filming break of “Gone with the Wind”. Lombard was killed in an airplane crash in 1942. Clark Gable was devastated by her death.  Lombard was always known to be the love of his life.

It was later acquired by the amazing songwriter and composer, Hoagy Carmichael, who wrote many popular songs such as “Stardust”, “Georgia On My Mind”, “Heart and Soul”, “Skylark”, “Small Fry”, and “ I Get Along Without You Very Well.” His songs have been recorded by many artists, such as, Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Nora Jones, Benny Goodman, and Bing Crosby. In an interview, Carmichael said, “You don’t write melodies, you find them… If you find the beginning of a good song, and if your fingers do not stray, the melody should come out of hiding in a short time.” Hoagy appeared in the movie “To Have and Have Not” starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, playing THIS piano while singing with Ms. Bacall. John Lennon was quoted saying that Hoagy Carmichael was his favorite songwriter.
                                                          
We feel honored to be able to display this important piano at the Sierra Nevada Lodge, where many stars have stayed and “played” throughout the years.  The piano is in its original condition, only having had one key replaced.