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1877 Steinway grand piano used by Motown greats restored with a little help from McCartney

August 29 2012 03:12 PM

CP19933667 — FILE - This Feb. 10, 2012 file photo shows Paul McCartney performing at the MusiCares Person of the Year gala in his honor in Los Angeles. McCartney will play on a 1877 Steinway grand piano he discovered and had refurbished at Detroit\'s Motown Museum. Word came down late Wednesday, Aug. 29, that the new and improved 9-foot Victorian rosewood will have its coming-out party at a Sept. 18 charity event in New York City before returning to its home on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit. McCartney and Motown founder Berry Gordy will play the piano at the New York event, dubbed "Project: Harmony." (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, file)

Original Publication Date: August 29, 2012 3:12PM

Publication Updated: January 9, 2025 5:00AM

DETROIT – An 1877 Steinway grand piano used by many Motown greats has been restored, thanks to a little help from its friend, Paul McCartney.

The former Beatle told Motown Museum officials following a concert last summer in Detroit that he wanted to assist with the restoration of the piano after learning the historic instrument could no longer be played.

Robin Terry, chair of the museum’s Board of Trustees, announced late Wednesday that the restoration had been completed.

Terry says the 9 foot (2.74 metre) piano will make its debut at a charitable event Sept. 18 at Steinway Hall in New York City, where McCartney and Motown founder Berry Gordy will play it for the first time following its restoration.

The piano then will go back on display at the Motown Museum’s famed Studio A.

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