View the Legendary “Layla” Piano Now!
This magnificent Baldwin grand piano stands as a timeless relic of rock and roll history. With its ivory keys touched by the greats, this instrument recorded some of the most iconic tracks at Miami’s legendary Criteria Studios throughout four decades. Used on sessions for Eric Clapton’s Derek & The Domino’s Layla, The Allman Brothers Band’s Eat a Peach, The Bee Gees Saturday Night Fever, and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s final album Street Survivors, this piano resonates with the soul of Southern rock. Iconic artists like Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles also left their mark on its keys, making it a true treasure of music history.
Dating back to circa 1928–1929, during the “Golden Age” of pianos, this Baldwin grand embodies the rich, warm sound of that era and has retained its impeccable tone. This instrument was used throughout the 1960s—1990s by countless artists. In 1998, when the Hit Factory purchased Criteria Studios, this historic piano was left under the care of founder Ed Germano. Upon is passing, it was entrusted to his daughter, Danielle Germano, our consignor, who preserved it for over 20 years, knowing it was more than an instrument; it was a piece of music legacy.
As Danielle reflects, “Keeping that piano was more than holding onto an instrument; it was preserving a tangible piece of music legacy, where each note, each scratch, each sign of wear holds stories of artists pouring their souls into the music.” Marked by unique scratches beneath the “Baldwin” nameplate and other signs of wear from decades of use, the piano embodies the spirit of every musician who played it. Featured in a documentary on legendary producer Tom Dowd, this piano was his favored recording instrument; Dowd once expressed that he’d take it with him wherever he went if he could.
A five-foot framed “Layla” display accompanies the piano, featuring the album cover, copies of session track sheets, photographs from those sessions, and an original “Layla” album signed and inscribed by Tom Dowd. Additionally present is the original RIAA Platinum sales award for “Layla” presented to Criteria Recording Studios. Danielle describes this display as “a window into the heart” of Criteria’s iconic recording sessions, a fitting tribute to a time when artists and producers seamlessly moved between each other’s sessions, inspiring creativity at every turn.
With this piano, you’re not just acquiring an instrument; you’re holding an irreplaceable piece of music history from an era of unparalleled collaboration and artistry. Fully operational and still boasting its rich, storied sound, this Baldwin grand piano is a museum-worthy piece for collectors and music enthusiasts alike, ready to pass its magic on to someone who appreciates its place in rock and soul history. From the Danielle Germano Collection and accompanied by her letter of provenance.
THE HIT FACTORY® is a registered trademark of The Hit Factory Licensing LLC. Other trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners. These items are from Danielle Germano’s personal collection and are not affiliated with the Studio or the referenced artists.
ABOUT THE HIT FACTORY ENTERTAINMENT For over three decades, The Hit Factory Entertainment shaped the sound of modern music. Purchased in 1975 by singer and producer, Eddie Germano, the studio gained fame for its exceptional sound quality, state-of-the-art technology, and its role in capturing the sound of iconic artists of the latter 20th century. This legendary studio booked recording sessions with Madonna, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Biggie Smalls, Celine Dion, Fleetwood Mac, and countless others. Some notable albums include Paul Simon’s “Graceland,” Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.,” and John Lennon’s final album “Double Fantasy.” Most noteworthy was Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life” (1976), truly a shining moment to start off the career of the studio. The Hit Factory Entertainment left an indelible mark on the music industry, serving as a hub for creativity and innovation in the recording world. From the 1970s through the 1990s, The Hit Factory Entertainment was the gold standard of music production and played a large part in shaping the sound of Pop, Rock, R&B, Latin, and Hip-Hop. Its studios were meticulously designed for acoustic perfection, equipped with cutting-edge technology, and staffed by experts in sound engineering. Countless chart-topping hits and Grammy-winning albums were crafted within its walls, cementing its status as a sanctuary for creativity and a beacon of musical legacy. This is the first-time items from The Hit Factory Entertainment have come to auction as a complete collection and the consignor hopes you will enjoy, preserve, and share these treasures of American music.