The term 'Summer of '42 Pianist' refers to the character of Nero, a fictional jazz pianist in the 1971 American coming-of-age film 'Summer of '42'. The film follows the story of Hermie, a teenage boy who falls in love with a woman named Dorothy, who is mourning the death of her husband, a soldier killed in World War II. Hermie meets Nero, an older jazz pianist, and the two become friends. Nero serves as a mentor to Hermie, teaching him about life and music.