FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT: Randy Estelle

Pianist Randy Estelle will usher in the Christmas season with a holiday performance this weekend at Christian Retreat in the East County. Read more about him in our candid Q&A.

1. Prodigy. Randy Estelle was only 3 years old when the sound of the piano captured his undivided attention. He would listen to nuns at a convent teach lessons.

2. First tune. The first piano song Estelle learned was “Chopsticks,” which he played with two fingers.

3. First gig. Estelle was just 12 years old when he first played piano at a wedding.

4. On the road. Estelle began performing around the country and world 26 years ago. His concert work, he says, “took off” when he moved to Florida in 1985.

5. Heart for worship. Estelle used to be a music pastor.

Read more about Estelle in "Estelle lights the stage for Winter Wonderland"