Rick Wakeman

Rick Wakeman
Stéphane Gallay from Laconnex, Switzerland · CC BY 2.0 · source
Name	Rick Wakeman
Background	non_vocal_instrumentalist
Birth date	1949-05-18
Birth place	Perivale, London
Occupation	Musician; songwriter; composer; producer
Years active	1960s–present
Associated acts	Yes, Strawbs, David Bowie, Elton John, Black Sabbath

Rick Wakeman is an English keyboardist, composer and recording artist known for virtuoso organ and synthesizer work, theatrical stagecraft and prolific solo output. He became prominent in the progressive rock era as a member of Yes and through solo concept albums that blended classical, rock and electronic elements. Wakeman's career spans session work with artists across rock, pop and soundtrack composition, concert tours, television appearances and theatrical projects.

Early life and education

Wakeman was born in Perivale, Middlesex and raised in post-war England. He studied at Westminster School of Music and trained on piano and organ, drawing influence from Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and popular performers such as Jerry Lee Lewis and The Shadows. Early training included liturgical work at local churches and examinations from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. His formative years connected him with regional scenes in London and engagements at venues associated with British Rail workers and repertory theatres, leading to session opportunities with emerging British acts.

Career

Wakeman's professional career began in the 1960s with stints in bands like the Strawbs and backing tours for artists including David Bowie, T. Rex, Ike and Tina Turner and Cat Stevens. He became a sought-after session musician for studios such as Trident Studios and for producers like Tony Visconti and Gus Dudgeon. In the early 1970s he joined Yes and contributed to landmark albums that defined progressive rock alongside members of King Crimson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Genesis and Jethro Tull. Wakeman's keyboard technique incorporated instruments manufactured by Moog Music, ARP Instruments, Hammond Organ Company and Fender, as well as orchestral arranging skills informed by collaborations with conductors and arrangers working with London Symphony Orchestra and studio orchestras.

Solo work and notable albums

As a solo artist he released concept albums such as Journey to the Centre of the Earth and The Myths and Hymns style works which merged rock with orchestral forces. Notable records include The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Criminal Record, Number One, and 1984, each produced with engineers and producers active in the Islington and Abbey Road Studios circuits. Wakeman collaborated with session players from the Wrecking Crew, members of Yes, and soloists from Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and BBC Symphony Orchestra. His albums featured cover art and marketing through labels such as A&M Records, Charisma Records, EMI, Warner Bros. Records and Polar Music.

Yes and collaborations

Wakeman's multiple tenures with Yes overlapped with lineups containing Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Alan White, Bill Bruford, Steve Howe, and Trevor Rabin. He contributed to studio albums and world tours that intersected with festivals like Isle of Wight Festival and events promoted by companies such as Bill Graham Presents. Beyond Yes, Wakeman collaborated with artists including Elton John, David Bowie, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Black Sabbath, Celine Dion, Kate Bush, Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Brian Wilson, Jeff Beck, John Wetton, Rick Springfield, Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Graham Nash, Roger Waters, Alan Parsons, Yoko Ono, Meat Loaf, Roger Daltrey, Bryan Ferry, Freddie Mercury, Jeff Lynne, Klaus Schulze, and members of Pink Floyd for studio sessions, benefit concerts and television specials.

Film, television and stage work

Wakeman composed and performed for film and television, contributing to soundtracks and theme music for productions associated with studios like BBC Television, HBO, ITV, and ITV Studios. His work extended to stage productions and musicals staged in venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, The O2 Arena, Wembley Arena and West End theatres tied to producers from Andrew Lloyd Webber circles. He appeared in television series, documentaries and talk shows on networks including BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4, and Sky Arts, and participated in concert films distributed by companies like Warner Bros. Pictures and Paramount Pictures.

Personal life and public persona

Wakeman has been a public figure beyond music, making appearances on radio and television chat and panel shows alongside presenters from BBC Radio 2, BBC Breakfast, and Top Gear specials. Noted for stage costumes and capes reminiscent of theatrical performers such as Liberace and David Bowie, his persona combined humour with outspoken views about the music industry, politics and broadcasting—commentary aired during interviews on BBC Radio 4 and talk programmes featuring hosts from ITV. His personal life involved marriages and family connections in London and residences across the United Kingdom; he has engaged in charity benefit concerts supporting organisations like Help for Heroes, Oxfam and the British Red Cross.

Awards and legacy

Wakeman's career earned recognition from institutions including nominations and awards linked to Ivor Novello Awards, Grammy Awards, and honours from music publications such as Mojo (magazine), Rolling Stone, Q (magazine), and Classic Rock (magazine). His influence is cited by contemporary keyboardists in progressive and symphonic rock scenes associated with bands like Dream Theater, Marillion, Porcupine Tree, Muse, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Camel and Kansas. Wakeman's legacy is preserved in archives at British music libraries, collections curated by Victoria and Albert Museum exhibitions on popular music, and retrospective documentaries produced by BBC Two and independent film companies chronicling progressive rock history.

Category:English keyboardists Category:Progressive rock musicians Category:1949 births Category:Living people