Chicago Skating Rink Organists

Skating Rink Organists were a breed unto themselves. They not only had to master the various pipe and electronic organs found in various roller rinks but needed to understand that 'skating beat' that skaters love. Different tempos were applied to different dances like the Tango's, Waltz's, Polka's, Strut's, that set the speed and made you just want to get up and move.

Chicago was home to some of the best and most beloved organists in the country.

The only rink left with a pipe organ is the Oaks Rink in Portland Oregon, and we hope it stays that way! There is a pizza place in Arizona that has parts of other roller rink organs installed and I hope to visit there one day.