Wagner began on piano at age six, and took formal lessons in classical music while playing rock and roll on the side.
The group was picked up by local radio station KJR, which resulted in bookings in dance halls throughout Washington state.
[3] Throughout the 1970s, Wagner played in Sun Valley, Idaho, especially during ski season, and toured internationally as the pianist for Peggy Fleming's skating shows.
[5][6] Wagner became one of two house pianists at Seattle fine dining restaurant Canlis in 1996, where he played arrangements of popular songs.
[10] The resultant live album featured his renditions of songs by DJ Shadow, Band of Horses, Fleet Foxes, Prince, The Left Banke, Goat, The Buzzcocks, My Bloody Valentine, and Phoenix.