Ken Levinsky, a second-generation New York City area-born musician, has had a diverse and inspiring musical journey. Raised in River Edge, New Jersey, he spent 40 years in the business in the city. In October 2020, he made a significant change, moving to Fort Myers and later to Naples with a plan to retire. However, his passion for music and his adaptability led him to a new chapter in his career instead.

“I joined a musicians’ Facebook group and posted a link to contact me if anyone needed a pianist,” he recounted. “Within two weeks, I was working every Friday night at the now defunct House of Pasta in Fort Myers and every Sunday night at the Roadhouse Cafe with guitarist Ricky Howard’s quartet.”

These days, catch his artistry on Thursday and Saturday nights at Chops City Grill on Fifth Avenue in Naples. In the fall, look for him gigging at Chops and possibly at The London Club in the Bellasera Hotel.

Levinsky’s musical journey was profoundly influenced by his father, Walt Levinsky, a multi-instrumentalist who played woodwinds, composed and orchestrated. That inspired the son to play clarinet and saxophone throughout middle and high school, laying the foundation for his future in music. Walt Levinsky’s illustrious career, which began in 1949 with Tommy Dorsey and spanned 40 years, included work on “The Tonight Show” and collaborations with music icons from Frank Sinatra to Paul McCartney. The younger Levinsky drew inspiration from renowned jazz guitar legends John Pizzarelli and his father, Bucky Pizzarelli, from whom he learned the art of approaching a song.

By age 8, he began piano lessons — late, he said, for someone who would eventually play professionally. After earning a music education degree, Levinsky studied for two years with concert pianist Nina Lelchuk, who immigrated to the United States from Russia in 1978. She was a recording artist on Telarc Records, and had studied and taught at the Moscow Conservatory.

We sat down with the uber-talented Southwest Florida musician.

The Naples Press: What is your preferred genre and performance configuration?

Ken Levinsky: I don’t have a preference; I’ve told people that I have always believed in having a well-balanced musical diet. Go to the video section of my website. You’ll see me perform with rock singer Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Deep Purple), John Pizzarelli at the Montreal Jazz Festival and Broadway actress Donna Vivino ( Wicked, the original Young Cosette in the Broadway production of Les Misérables). Having performed for decades in New York City, I developed a passion for playing in Broadway orchestras, quartets, trios and even wedding bands that featured as many as 15 musicians. I also loved playing big band jazz.

TNP: Can you tell us about your film and concert performances?

KL: I’ve played on several film soundtracks, the most notable being my on-camera appearance with screen credit in the 1987 Woody Allen movie Radio Days. In concert, I have performed with several famous musicians, including Eddie Money, Johnny Mathis and The New York Pops Orchestra, among many others. (They are listed on his website.)

TNP: What is your experience performing on Broadway?

KL: In 1979, composer Cy Coleman personally hired me to tour with his Broadway show I Love My Wife starring The Smothers Brothers. After returning to New York, I played in the orchestra of several Broadway shows from 1981 until around 2011, in addition to other performances.

TNP: You have done many recordings; which ones stand out?

KL: The two of which I am most proud are with John Pizzarelli on All of Me and Naturally on the BMG Novus label. Both of these albums feature John in small group, big band and orchestral settings, and they are the only two albums on which my father and I collaborated. (They are available on YouTube, Apple Music and all major streaming platforms.)

TNP: How does music serve as a mode of self-expression?

KL: The key is doing everything you possibly can to learn your instrument. Even if you never master it, the goal should be to develop a level of proficiency with which you can express yourself without worrying about the notes or whether you’re going to play — or sing — correctly.

TNP: What is your favorite and least favorite thing about being a musician?

KL: My favorite thing is the blessing of getting paid to do what you love. My least favorite thing is that it makes me wish I were immortal so that I could do it forever.

TNP: Any advice for aspiring pianists? KL: Don’t believe people who tell you that the music business is hard; every business is hard. If you choose the piano, your odds of getting employed are better than those of almost any other instrumentalist. Learn how to practice, work hard and show up on time and sober with a positive attitude.

Ken Levinsky

Contact: kenlevinsky.com; email ken@kenlevinsky.com Social media: facebook.com/KenLevinsky