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Henry Steinway Obituary
Susan Steinway, his daughter, confirmed that her father died on Thursday in Manhattan.
Henry Zeigler Steinway was the last of his family to run the company founded by Henry Engelhard Steinway. He sold it to CBS Corporation in 1977.
Steinway retired at 65, but he continued to visit the Steinway Hall in Manhattan until a few months ago.
President Bush presented Steinway with the National Medal of Arts in 2007.
The handcrafted pianos were the instruments of choice for such greats as Sergei Rachmaninoff, Vladimir Horowitz and Artur Rubinstein.
CBS sold Steinway in 1985 to what was then a band-instrument manufacturer. That company went public in 1998 and is now known as Steinway Musical Instruments.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
23 Entries
Evert Olkonen
March 12, 2024
I checked online as I was thinking of the gala at Seattle Steinway years ago which I was invited and requested to wear black tie. My girlfriend and I showed up, and we were introduced to Henry Z Steinway. We had a nice conversation, and then the owner requested me to play a beautiful Steinway in the middle of the banquet hall. I didn't expect that but complied. I played Clementi, Beethoven and Chopin while an elegant older woman dripping in diamonds came and stood in the curve of the piano. My girlfriend told me she could have heard a pin drop went I sat down to play. There were hundreds of people. I'll never forget that night, or the conversation with Henry Z. What a nice man. When I finished playing, the elegant woman standing and watching, kissed my hands. I didn't have a clue I was to play. The owner said it was the only way he could figure to get me to play. He was right.
Emily Albano
February 16, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Emily Albano
March 27, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
I know a fine way, to treat a Steinway...
K. Jacob Ruppert
October 3, 2008
Polly,
Every time Henry and I met for lunch, every time I received a letter from his manual typewriter, every phone call, it was a reunion. I am a better man for having had his friendship for lo' these many years. I'll miss him for the rest of my days.
How you can show support
Pat Steinway
October 2, 2008
There will be a little less sunshine
without Hank and one less person who had the ability to listen to what anyone had to say.
Doug Lee
September 25, 2008
Dear Polly, my deepest sympathy for the passing of our dear Henry. He was instrumental in nuturing my career in the music industry and for that I am eternally thankful. I don't know how many lives were affected by his presence....maybe 1000s. I know my was profoundly influenced. It was an honor to know him.
Frank Uranich
September 24, 2008
I played my first Steinway when I was 5 years old. That began a love affair of a lifetime.
My condolences to the Steinway family. You have brought much happiness to the human spirit.
Steinway Hall-LA, Steve Dyer-Managing Director
Stephen E Dyer
September 23, 2008
Dear Polly:
Henry was more than just a good friend in the piano business - he was a mentor, a role model and someone that I thought was immortal as the Steinway piano itself . I am deeply saddened by his passing. Please accept my sympathy for your tremendous loss. He will be missed by thousands of people.
Dan Del Fiorentino NAMM Historian
September 21, 2008
Mr. Steinway was passionate about music making! He knew that playing a musical instrument added a positive element to people's lives and he sought to encourage children to take music lessons whenever possible. He would often say “everyone has music in them.”
Henry Z. Steinway became a legend in the music products industry due to his contagious passion, his willingness to talk openly and his great understanding of other people. Nothing was as engaging as listening to Henry talk about his family history, the innovations of the company and the performers and composers he met over the years.
On behalf of NAMM, the International Music Products Association, I extend our thoughts and prayers to his loving wife Polly and their entire family. He will be missed. He will be remembered.
.
Scott
September 21, 2008
We were fortunate to have met Mr. Steinway when we purchased our piano. It was one of those memorable days - the showroom salesperson - Betsy Hirsch - played all the pianos for us and we chose one. I kept seeing this lovely gentleman eyeing what we were doing. When Mr. Steinway saw that we had bought the piano, he lifted the top, took out his felt tip pen - and autographed it to my partner and I.
They don't make them - Mr. Steinways - like they used to.
His presence will be sorely missed. My condolences to the Steinway family and staff.
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
September 21, 2008
Rest in peace as part of you lives in every piano that you ever built.Thank you.
Thomas Widgeon
September 20, 2008
Jesus Loves Me!!!
Daniels Family
September 20, 2008
Our condolences to the Steinway family on your dear loss.
(John 5:28,29)
David Henson
September 19, 2008
You always made time for me and I loved you for that. When we honored you at the Spirit of Life awards it was a great night to remember. IFEPA.org will miss you along with the entire world. God bless you Henry
Barbara Kornbluh
September 19, 2008
The Steinway family has shaped the sound standards for all serious pianists and music lovers. I will always remember when he spoke at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia and told the story of his family and how his great grandfather founded this amazing piano company. I am proud to be a Steinway studio in southern New Jersey...
Barbara Steinman Kornbluh
Sandy Garcia
September 19, 2008
May you rest in peace...
D ZIMMERMAN
September 19, 2008
REST IN PEACE HENRY STEINWAY
KEN & MARY O'DANIEL
September 19, 2008
OUR PRAYERS,LOVE, & CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO THE STEINWAY FAMILY, FRIENDS & ALL WHO KNEW MR. STEINWAY.
September 19, 2008
Mr. Steinway's contribution to the music world is monumental. I hope that the family will be comforted by memories of wonderful times together. Revelation 21:3,4 gives further comfort. My sympathies to the Steinway family and friends.
Kathy Heiner
September 19, 2008
What an extraordinary man, he will be missed.
Ronald Newton
September 19, 2008
The Steinway legacy is " the standard of musicianship " as far as musicians i know ! It will always be Steinway .
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