Executing a performance of this standard is a significant triumph, but for Stafford, the standard two-handed approach was insufficient to fully convey the complexity of the music. As the song progresses into its legendary, high-energy rock section, viewers can observe Stafford utilizing his feet to skillfully play an additional set of bass keys located beneath the main organ console. This physical coordination is essential, as the instrument features seven keyboards up top, in addition to the complex pedal division below, requiring the performer to engage their entire body to command the massive machine.
Beyond his viral success with Queen, Stafford maintains a distinguished career in sacred and traditional music. He currently serves as the Director of Music at the Riverside Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Florida, and holds the position of Director of Sacred Music at the Chautauqua Institute in New York. His professional repertoire is remarkably broad, encompassing traditional carols such as Oh Come All Ye Faithful, as well as specialized work as a highly skilled improviser and a dedicated accompanist for silent films. Through his varied work, Stafford continues to prove that the pipe organ is a far more versatile instrument than many listeners realize, and he remains active in his various musical roles to this day.
