I worked at Bellagio for 20 years and moved away in 2020. Whitney is one of the nicest and most pleasant humans I’ve ever met. Thank you for this video, Jacob. It took me right back to my old family 👊🏻
I worked at the Bellagio from oipening (1998) until 2005. I used to stand next to his lounge on my breaks thinking, this guy has the best job at the Bellagio.
This REALLY touched my heart. I remember him playing “the windmills of my mind” when I was about 15. I’m 54 now. He has truely created memories. Thank you for the great interview and much love from 🇩🇪
I proposed to my girlfriend in October 2021 right in front of the Bellagio Fountains, we discussed wedding ideas that night and decided that If I Aint Got You by Alicia Keys was going to be our song. The next morning we walked by Whitney and he just happened to be playing that song and it was one of the most surreal moments of our life. So amazing that I'm watching this video now on October 17th 2023, which is 3 days before my wedding.
That was super cool Jacob. Whitney is so good that I had to stop walking and just watch him for a bit the first time I saw him playing at the Bellagio.
My wife and I have visited Bellagio so many times and hearing the beautiful piano music from Whitney has been a big part of each visit. It literally is one of the main draws for us to keep visiting this property. I recall one visit years ago when we were celebrating our wedding anniversary, I had gotten flowers sent to our room, we went to a wonderful dinner, attended the "O" show, and decided to spend the evening down in the casino. Because it was a special occasion for us, we were dressed to the 9's. I remember fondly, saddling up to a black jack table, drinking fancy martini's, listening to the piano music, and thinking we were on top of the world. This was truly one of the special nights I remember from so long ago. And so I thank you Mr. Phoenix for adding the soundtrack to an evening we will never forget. And thank you Jacob, for having the foresight to make and post this video. It is really cool that you respected one of the Vegas staples we all rely upon for our entertainment. Zk
Sgt. Whitney, great job sir!! Thank you for your service in our military and thank you for sharing your talent with us on the piano. i would have to say my favorite song you play is Clair de lune.
This is cool Jacob. I think you found you a new series to produce. This is what humanity is all about, wild stories like this one. I never would have expected him to be a marine with one of a kind custom crystal shoes from Italy.
Well said. We have enough problems in the world being rubbed in our faces and ears every day. Every city has issues and he doesn't need to focus on Vegas problems. We go there to have fun, see and hear people like Mr Phoenix! I go to Bellagio and stop to listen to him every time I go. I might subscribe again if Jacob keeps it positive.
This is something, right here... this is literally what makes Vegas infinitely cool, even today, even with its faults.... I've met some of the greatest people on my visits there.
So happy that you are sharing the story of one of the men behind the music that has made this venue so special. I always order a bottle and savor the amazing music. He creates such a great environment weekly!
I'm 65+ years and started to learn the piano. Great player on a great piano. Perfect match. thanks for the interview. I'll say hi to Sgt Phoenix when I'm in town
We always stop by "Whitneys Bar" - also known as Petrossian at Bellagio. Whitney played Summer of 42 for us the last time we were there and it was just gorgeous. Lovely man and great piano player.
please do more of these behind the scene videos. Do like a day in the life of a bartender, valet person, cocktail person, maid, etc of the Vegas hotel business.
As someone that calls Vegas their home away from home, i really appreciate this video. My first Bellagio trip was in 1999. I had no idea it was always Whitney here. I’d love to see more videos like this. As others have said you did a great job leading and letting Whitney speak. He’s so humble and it is nice to hear his story. Gives me an even greater appreciation.
He’s amazing. This past March I was at the Bellagio he played “changes” by Tupac on the piano. A memory I’ll never forget. My wife and I gambled close to him just to hear him play. I stay at the Bellagio 2-3 times a year, I’ve never met him, but always recognize him. If I saw him walking down the street, I’d know who he was! Thank you for interviewing him, and sharing his story.
What a different, unique, and spectacular video, Jacob! When I am at Bellagio, I am thrilled when Whitney and David Osborne are playing. Ordering a cocktail and listening to their music is a real highlight of my trips. Thank you for doing this video!
Such a great video! Whitney’s story has been unknown to so many of us until now - fantastic history at an iconic resort! Thank you for this, and thank you to Whitney - keep tickling those ivories! 🙌🏻
I go to see the conservatory every time I am in Las Vegas and quite often stop and enjoy the piano music at this lounge.This interview I found to be very interesting and if your are looking for content find more people like this to interview BECAUSE no else is doing this and it adds a facet of interest that nobody is offering. THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO I ENJOY ALL YOUR CONTENT.
Always wondered what story was behind this performer. I always stop by or slow down when passing his music. It's just Las Vegas. Thanks for doing this.
I’ve had the pleasure of hearing Whitney play at the Bellagio since 1999 and hearing him on the piano as I walk through the doors is one of the greatest joys I get in Las Vegas. The Petrossian is a wonderful bar for people watching, while listening to Whitney’s marvellous tunes and sipping on cocktails served by the gorgeous ladies, Valerie, Moramay, Amy and Megan. And not forgetting a shout out for Willie too! I’m in heaven! ❤
Whitney is absolutely fabulous! So glad you did an interview on him and told his story. He is a true professional. I can guarantee he is down to earth and loves to meet and talk to the patrons in the lounge. He is also a great neighbor 😂
As a musician myself, I absolutely love this interview! We stroll through the Bellagio every time we're in Vegas and I've always wondered about this man. Great job on the interview, and I look forward to stopping and listening to his marvelous playing next month!
This, by far, is THE best Vegas video that I have ever seen on your channel. The history and humanity highlighted encompassed what OG Las Vegas was all about. Bravo 👏 👏 👏
What a great video. Its so nice to hear this mans story. He is an awesome Piano player, I love hearing his music when I’m there, its so unique to Bellagio. Love his shoes too!
I go to Bellagio a couple of times every year and play keno which is close to the piano bar and love his music. Thank you for letting us know about an iconic figure from the Bellagio.
What a great story, what a great journey of this veteran, what a classy humble sir! What a great interview Jacob! Love the shoe story and the genrations of patrons that go listen to him play.
Can I say how much I enjoyed this video interview? I so enjoyed Whitney’s story. He is delightful! You do an excellent job of letting Whitney’s personality and life come through. Blessings to you both! 😊🎹🎵
A thousand thumbs up, Jacob. The Petrossian bar is one of the most romantic bars on the boulevard in my opinion and my husband and I have sat across from Mr. Phoenix on many occasions enjoying his music as we sipped cocktails while people watching those meandering through the lobby. SO glad you did an interview with him. Little did I know he served in the Corps. Thank you for your service Sgt Phoenix and Semper FI!
I enjoy all of your videos but I really enjoyed this one. Have seen him play many times when I walk by the lounge. Now I need to stop and have a drink and really enjoy his piano playing. Thank you very much.
I have a Vegas trip coming up, and seeing this fine pianist at the Bellagio is now on my list of must dos! Thank you for a lovely interview, Jacob. Whitney is a class act!
Jacob, u could have asked him many interesting questions. Such as: does he play all his songs by ear, how many songs does he know, does he take requests, how does he decide which songs to play, how many days/hrs a week does he play, when does he take breaks? All in all the video was interesting but those questions would have made it more so.
I love your interviews Jacob. You have some very gifted people on your show who have led a unique life. Thanks for doing this, it has been a while since you have done interviews of unique Las Vegas local who are gifted or unique. I love how you did the editing with video of him playing the piano in his working setting. Well done. thank you.
Great video Jacob! Loved this. Try and do more like this if you can. Interviewing more interesting people like him who has such a great background with Vegas. There must be more out there like him. Hopefully if they are still around working and alive! Great story too about his shoes! You just never know!
Jacob, your content is always current and interesting. Your presentation is unique and fresh. You are a leader in your craft. Looking forward to more of your channel. Thanks
I stay @Bellagio 4-5 times a year. Always love to hear this talented person but never knew a thing about him. Thanks I feel like I know him now. He seems to be a gentleman.
We were walking past last weekend, and I pulled my daughter aside to point out that Mr. Phoenix was the one playing and about this interview (I'd seen a few months ago). Revisiting today, and want to thank you for posting this! Knowing back stories and history make the experiences so much more valuable.
