Josh Stafford is an incredibly talented organ player who has been a big name in the music world for years. He earned his Master of Music degree from Yale School of Music in 2012 and has amazed audiences with his skills ever since. But in 2020, he became an internet sensation when his version of a Queen classic went viral, racking up millions of views on YouTube and introducing his music to a whole new audience.
Taking on a song like “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a huge challenge, even for a musician as gifted as Josh. Released in 1975, the song was the lead single from Queen’s famous album A Night At The Opera, and it’s known for its different sections and dramatic changes in sound. Somehow, Josh manages to bring all of that magic to life on just one instrument – the organ.
And not just any organ! Josh plays the largest pipe organ in the world, which is even listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. This massive instrument is located at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. It was built by Midmer-Losh in 1929 and has an incredible 33,112 pipes, 447 ranks, and seven manuals (keyboards) – making it one of the most powerful and complex organs ever made.
Playing an organ like this is already an impressive feat, but Josh takes things to the next level. When the famous rock section of “Bohemian Rhapsody” kicks in, you’ll notice something incredible – he isn’t just using his hands. He’s also playing another set of bass keys with his feet! This kind of multi-tasking makes his performance even more mind-blowing.
The organ at Boardwalk Hall is truly one of a kind, with its seven keyboards stacked on top and an extra set of keys below. It’s a beast of an instrument, but Josh plays it like a master.
If you want to hear him play something more traditional, you should check out his beautiful version of the Christmas carol “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” It’s a perfect song choice for Josh, who is not only an incredible performer but also serves as the Director of Music at Riverside Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Florida, and the Director of Sacred Music at the Chautauqua Institution in New York.
Beyond his skill as a recitalist, Josh is also known for his incredible ability to improvise and accompany silent films with live music, bringing old movies to life in a way few musicians can.
While full-band performances are exciting, there’s something truly special about an organ recital. This instrument is far more versatile than most people realize, and Josh Stafford is one of the best at proving just how amazing it can be!
If you want to see more performances on the world’s largest pipe organ, check out Boardwalk Organs on YouTube. And if you want to follow Josh Stafford’s incredible musical journey, you can find him on Instagram!
