Martyn Ravenhill says he has been a huge fan of the flamboyant pianist all his life.
He says he learned of the mansion being up for sale after finding a video about it on YouTube.
Ravenhill bought the mansion for $500 000 and seemed surprised by the international attention the purchase has brought.
Ravenhill bought the home from JPMorgan Chase Bank, which had seized it through foreclosure more than three years ago.
The home went for $29 000 below its list price and about $3m less than it was sold for seven years ago.
Ravenhill says the mansion is a piece of US history that needs to be protected.