In utero, 1981
Six months before his birth, Banks' parents are playing an orchestra show with preeminent cellist Rostropovich. Banks starts kicking—his mother calls it dancing—during every cello solo. After the show Rostropovich offers to give the kid lessons.

Born into this, 1982
Banks is now in the world. His father is Dizzy Gillespie's trumpet player. Backstage, Dizzy bounces Banks on his knee and sings him lullabies.

Brand new key, 1985
Four-year-old Banks starts playing piano.

The s...