Richard Christopher Wakeman is a highly acclaimed and esteemed English virtuoso keyboardist, masterful composer, and accomplished songwriter, widely recognized and celebrated for his extraordinary and remarkable career as the former principal keyboardist of the groundbreaking and influential progressive rock band Yes, a legendary entity that has left an indelible mark on the music world.
Wakeman's life story commenced on May 18, 1949, in the west London region, where his interest in music initially germinated at a tender age. It was at the tender age of 12 that he made his first significant purchase, acquiring an electronic keyboard that would ignite a lifelong ardor for the instrument. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a lifelong journey, during which Wakeman would continue to nurture his affinity for music.
Wakeman's professional music career experienced a significant surge in the late 1960s, marking the beginning of a remarkable trajectory that would unfold over the years. During this pivotal period, he established himself as a sought-after session musician, lending his talents to a diverse array of notable artists, including Ozzy Osbourne, David Bowie, T. Rex, Elton John, and Cat Stevens. This exposure not only showcased his versatility as a musician but also provided a platform for him to hone his craft and build a reputation within the industry.
In 1969, Wakeman's journey took a new turn as he joined the esteemed folk group Strawbs, contributing his skills to the creation of three of their iconic albums. This affiliation not only allowed him to collaborate with like-minded musicians but also enabled him to expand his musical horizons, absorbing the influences and experiences that would ultimately shape his own artistic vision.
The esteemed Rick Wakeman, a renowned British musician, assumed the role of keyboardist for the iconic progressive rock band Yes in 1971, following the departure of Tony Kaye. Wakeman's tenure with Yes spanned four years, during which time he concurrently embarked on a solo career, marked by the release of his inaugural album, "The Six Wives of Henry VIII", in 1973. This album proved to be a significant commercial success, paving the way for Wakeman to issue two additional solo albums, "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" in 1974 and "The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table" in 1975.
Wakeman, a renowned musician, made a triumphant return to the iconic rock band Yes in 1976, only to bid farewell once more in 1980, opting instead to dedicate himself to his solo endeavors. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his illustrious career, allowing him to explore his own creative vision and artistic expression.
Fast forward to 1989, Wakeman reunited with Yes, collaborating with former bandmates to form the ambitious side project Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe. This innovative venture resulted in the release of a single album, a testament to the enduring musical chemistry between the esteemed musicians.
Wakeman's tenure with Yes continued until his third and final departure in 1992, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and timeless music that continues to inspire and delight fans to this day.
Throughout his illustrious career, Rick Wakeman has remained dedicated to his solo endeavors, pouring his creative energies into the production of an astonishing array of albums. To date, his impressive discography boasts a staggering tally of over 100 releases, each one a testament to his unwavering passion for music.
As a result of his tireless efforts, Wakeman's solo work has garnered widespread acclaim, with global sales exceeding a remarkable 50 million copies. This phenomenal achievement is a fitting tribute to his enduring talent and dedication to his craft.
In recognition of his immense contributions to the world of progressive rock, Wakeman was honored with the Spirit of Prog award at the prestigious Marshall Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards in 2010.
Throughout the entirety of his remarkable and illustrious professional trajectory, Rick Wakeman has consistently been a driving force, a catalyst, and a beacon of creativity within the esteemed and revered genre of progressive rock, renowned for his pioneering and innovative keyboard playing and his distinctive, singular, and unmistakable songwriting style.
As a stalwart and integral member of the iconic and influential rock band Yes, Wakeman's invaluable contributions have played a pivotal role in shaping the group's sound, style, and overall artistic direction, thereby solidifying his status as a rock legend, a titan of his craft, and a true icon of the music world.
Furthermore, his extensive and acclaimed solo work has not only showcased his remarkable versatility and range as a musician but has also served as a testament to his unwavering dedication to his art, his unrelenting passion for creative expression, and his unshakeable commitment to pushing the boundaries of his craft.
As a result, Wakeman's music has not only stood the test of time but has also continued to inspire, influence, and captivate new generations of fans, ensuring his enduring legacy as a rock legend, a master of his craft, and a true giant of the music world.
