Historic Motown Steinway Piano Back In Detroit

An 1877 Steinway grand piano used by Motown greats during the label’s 1960s heyday and restored thanks to Paul McCartney’s generosity is back home in Detroit.

Motown Historical Museum officials announced the 9-foot piano’s return Monday in a news release first obtained by The Associated Press.

McCartney told museum officials following a 2011 concert in Detroit that he wanted to help with the piano’s refurbishment after learning the historic instrument no longer could be played.

Work on the piano was completed last August, and the ex-Beatle and Motown founder Berry Gordy played it together during a September charitable event at Steinway Hall in New York City.

Photo: AP Photo / Starpix
"12-12-12" (A Concert For Sandy Relief), Madison Square Garden Arena, New York City

The piano now will go back on display at the Motown museum’s famed Studio A in the “Hitsville, U.S.A.,” building.