Rex, an Amazing Musical Savant, Born Blind and Mentally Impaired, Continues to Defy Doctors' Predictions
"…at age 13, he is playing Debussy for audiences around the country." -60 Minutes report
Reporting for CBS's 60 Minutes last weekend, Leslie Stahl revisits musical savant Rex Lewis-Clack, and his amazing development over the years that has gone against almost every doctor's prediction for his life.
Rex was born blind, with a cyst on his brain that left him mentally impaired. Doctors told his mother Cathleen that he would most likely never walk or even talk due to his severe brain damage.
Early on, Rex kept his hands tightly balled in fists to avoid touching anything, and any progress was slow… until his father brought home a small electronic keyboard.
At first he seemed surprised when his hands came down on the keys producing notes. But that was the beginning of a remarkable transformation. (Photo: CBS News)
Like some others who have the mysterious gift of being a musical savant, Rex can reproduce a piece of music on the piano after hearing it only once—and remember, he cannot see the keys.
As 60 Minutes has followed Rex's story over the last few years, this incredible talent has rapidly increased, with his technique on the piano becoming more and more refined.
Rex is even moving out of the realm of what is typical for a musical savant; improvising on known pieces, and composing his own. Rex even sat down for an amazing "improv" duet with Leslie Stahl.
This incredible development has also brought improvement in everyday routines and other areas, such as reading Braille.
Watch the extraordinary 60 Minutes report at the link provided.
