As far as we know, Tommy Johnson is still wailing away on the piano.

The original “Boogie Man,” nicknamed for his boogie-woogie style of play, has been making jaws drop with his self-taught talents for decades.

That’s right, he’s self-taught!

According to his website, he started playing piano at the age of 4 and performed Tchaikovsky’s piano concerto for his first live performance at the tender age of 7. As a child prodigy, he was even featured in TIME Magazine at 9 years old.

From winning talent searches to performing everywhere from cruise ships to Las Vegas, his career took him on quite a few adventures until heart problems slowed him down a bit.

But his health issues couldn’t slow down his hands! In fact, he’s even been named the World’s Fastest Keyboard Artist.

Now, at 80 years old, the most recent video he’s uploaded to YouTube is 5 years old, but his irresistible talent is still drawing in millions of viewers to his page.

And despite his classical beginnings, it’s his boogie-woogie performances that people want to hear.

In fact, a video he uploaded back in 2007 has gone viral to the tune of 6.7 MILLION views!

The purpose of his performances?

“My intention is to take people of all ages on a magical musical tour where they can forget their everyday troubles and woes and find happiness for an hour or two…” he said.

We’d say he’s accomplished that!

While boogie-woogie originated in the African-American community in the late 19th century, it grew quickly and spread around the U.S. By the 1920s it was a favorite form of blues piano playing – but not just anyone could do it. You really need some stamina and creativity to keep up the high-energy art form that relies more on rhythm than melody.

“This made me try to dance. The doctor says I’ll be out of traction in about six weeks,” joked one commenter about Johnson’s fast-paced viral performance.

While boogie-woogie can be played with other instruments and in groups, Johnson’s performances are a lone man at a piano. But he sure sounds like he has backup!

As he takes a quick classical interlude, some friend pop into the frame to make a request: FASTER!

And boy does he oblige!

“That was awesome, much respect! I just loved yo peeps yelling “faster” and you obliged by really wailing,” remarked one viewer.

This is certainly the kind of performance that would make someone daydream about becoming a pianist but, at the same time, seeing just how fast those fingers are moving makes taking up the hobby look pretty daunting!

Johnson was thrilled by all the positive comments on his post and reached out a few years ago to thank everyone for watching his video.

“It brings a giant smile to my face to know that I can make somebody’s day a little brighter with the simple things that I enjoy. I love to hear from you all, no matter how big or small your comments are… they all mean so much to me,” he said.

It’s been 5 years since a new performance was posted, but there are plenty of videos on his YouTube page to keep you amused for hours.

Be sure to scroll down below to see one of Tommy Johnson’s classic performances.

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Source: Tommy Johnson Official Website, Tommy Johnson via Facebook, Tommy Johnson via YouTube, Jazz in America