The Virtuoso Keyboardist Rick Wakeman celebrates 75 today
Over the last 5 decades the progressive rock legend released several critically acclaimed albums both as a solo artist and as a member of Yes
The Virtuoso Keyboardist Rick Wakeman celebrates 75 today
Renowned for his extraordinary skills as a keyboardist, Richard Christopher Wakeman, known as Rick Wakeman, was born on May 18, 1949, in Perivale, London, England. Wakeman has had a prolific career spanning over five decades, making significant contributions both as a solo artist and as a member of several prominent bands.
Wakeman began studying piano from the age of six with his formal music education continuing at the Royal College of Music, though he left before completing his studies to pursue a career as a session musician. His talent quickly garnered attention, and he worked with various artists, including David Bowie on the iconic track “Space Oddity” and “Life on Mars?.”
In 1971, Wakeman joined the progressive rock band Yes, replacing Tony Kaye. His intricate keyboard work became a defining feature of Yes’s sound, contributing to classic albums such as “Fragile” (1971) and “Close to the Edge” (1972). His compositions and performances on tracks like “Roundabout” and “Heart of the Sunrise” cemented his reputation as a keyboard virtuoso.
Parallel to his tenure with Yes, Wakeman launched a successful solo career. His 1973 album, “The Six Wives of Henry VIII,” showcased his impressive skills and compositional talents, reaching No. 7 on the UK Albums Chart. This was followed by the critically acclaimed “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” (1974), a live album that combined rock music with an orchestral score, and “The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table” (1975).
Despite his success with Yes, Wakeman’s relationship with the band was tumultuous. He left Yes in 1974 but rejoined in 1976, contributing to albums like “Going for the One” (1977) and “Tormato” (1978) before departing again in 1980. He returned several more times, notably for the “Union” (1991) and “Keys to Ascension” (1996) projects, contributing to the band’s evolving sound.
In his solo career, Wakeman continued to release a plethora of albums, exploring various musical styles. Notable works include “No Earthly Connection” (1976), “1984” (1981), and the New Age-inspired “The Aspirant Trilogy” in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His versatility and prolific output have earned him a dedicated following.
In recent years, Wakeman has remained active in the music scene, both as a performer and recording artist. He has toured extensively, often presenting solo piano concerts that highlight his vast repertoire. In 2020, he released the album “The Red Planet,” returning to his progressive rock roots with a focus on synthesizers and complex compositions. In 2017, Rick Wakeman was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Yes and was awarded a CBE for his services to music and broadcasting in 2021.
Watch Rick Wakeman in action performing “Journey To The Centre Of The Earth” live in Cuba, 2005
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