Andre Watts is a gifted classical pianist and his story is a very American one. He's the son of an African-American US Army soldier and his refugee Hungarian wife. At 16, Watts was chosen to play at a piano competition at the NY Philharmonic’s Young People’s Concert in Lincoln Center. This concert, conducted by Leonard Bernstein, was broadcast by CBS-TV. Just two weeks later, Bernstein asked him at the last minute to substitute for an ailing star pianist with the NY Philharmonic. This launched his career. From this storybook beginning, Watts went on to become an internationally renowned concert pianist.
He generously shares his gifts, as well. He's currently a professor of music at Indiana University and he continues to perform all over the world. He truly deserves the Medal of Freedom.