Rick Wakeman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rick Wakeman CBE
Wakeman performing in 2017
Born	Richard Christopher Wakeman (1949-05-18) 18 May 1949 (age 76) Perivale, Middlesex, England
Occupation	Keyboardist songwriter producer television and radio presenter author
Years active	1969–present
Spouse(s)	Rosaline Woolford ​ ​ (m. 1970; div. 1977)​ Danielle Corminboeuf ​ ​ (m. 1980; div. 1980)​ Nina Carter ​ ​ (m. 1984; div. 2004)​ Rachel Kaufman ​ (m. 2011)​
Children	6, including Oliver and Adam
Musical career
Genres	Progressive rock classical ambient new-age Christian instrumental rock
Instruments	Keyboards
Labels	A&M Charisma Moon Griffin President Coda Stylus Ambient Asaph Hope Music Fusion Castle Communications Pinnacle RPM EMI Voiceprint Legends Classic Pictures Eagle Gonzo Universal Music Group Sony Classical R&D Madfish

Richard Christopher Wakeman (born 18 May 1949) is an English keyboard player and composer. He is famous for being a member of the progressive rock band Yes. He was part of Yes five times between 1971 and 2004. He also has a very successful solo career.

Music experts describe Wakeman as a "classically trained keyboardist extraordinaire." He is known for his amazing skills on the keyboard. He created his own unique live shows as a solo artist.

Born in West London, Wakeman left his studies at the Royal College of Music in 1969. He became a full-time musician who played for many different artists. Early on, he played on songs for David Bowie, Elton John, and Cat Stevens.

In 1970, Wakeman joined the folk rock group the Strawbs. His incredible playing quickly got attention from the press. He left in 1971 to join Yes. With Yes, he played on some of their most important albums.

Wakeman started his solo career in 1973. He became a very important figure in progressive rock music. His most popular albums are The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1973), Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1974), and The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (1975). These are all concept albums, which tell a story through music.

In 1974, he started his band, the English Rock Ensemble. He toured worldwide with them and still performs. He also wrote music for his first major film, Lisztomania (1975).

Wakeman had some ups and downs in the next two decades. This was due to changes in music trends and financial challenges. His album 1984 (1981) was very popular. He also had a small pop hit with "Glory Boys" from Silent Nights (1985).

He also worked in other areas. He hosted the TV show GasTank. He composed music for TV and films. He started his own record labels. He also created new-age, ambient, and Christian music.

In 1989, he reunited with former Yes bandmates to form Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe. This led to his third time in Yes until 1992. His album Return to the Centre of the Earth (1999) was a big success. His piano album Piano Portraits (2017) also did very well.

Since 2009, Wakeman has re-performed his hit albums from the 1970s live. From 2016 to 2020, he was a member of Yes Featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman. He continues to make albums and perform concerts around the world. His newest album, Yessonata, came out in October 2024.

Wakeman has released over 100 solo albums. They cover many different music styles. He is also known for appearing on TV shows like Countdown and Grumpy Old Men. He had a radio show on Planet Rock from 2005 to 2010.

He has written an autobiography and two memoirs. In 2017, he was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Yes. He received a CBE award in 2021 for his contributions to music and broadcasting.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Wakeman was born on 18 May 1949 in Perivale, Middlesex. He was the only child of Cyril Frank Wakeman and Mildred Helen Wakeman. They lived in Northolt. His father, Cyril, was a pianist in a big band during his time in the army. He later worked as a director at a building supply company. His mother, Mildred, worked at a removals firm.

Wakeman went to Drayton Manor Grammar School in Hanwell starting in 1959. The family often spent their summer holidays in Exmouth.

When Wakeman was seven, his father arranged for him to have weekly piano lessons. His teacher, Dorothy Symes, taught him for eleven years. She said he "passed everything with a distinction" and was a fun student. However, she noted he sometimes lacked self-discipline in practicing.

In 1960, Symes entered Wakeman in his first music competition. He went on to win many awards and cups in contests across London. At age twelve, Wakeman started playing the clarinet. In his teenage years, he attended church and learned the church organ. He also became a Sunday school teacher.

Wakeman described himself as a "horror" at school. He worked hard in his first year, then relaxed. In 1961, he played in his first band, Brother Wakeman and the Clergymen. In 1963, at fourteen, he joined the Atlantic Blues, a local blues group.

Two years later, Wakeman passed his O Levels in English, maths, art, and music. He then studied music, art, and British constitution for his A-level exams. In 1966, he joined the Concordes, playing dance and pop songs. He used the money from these gigs to buy a Pianet, his first electronic instrument.

That year, he also formed the Green Dolphin Trio and Curdled Milk. In 1967, Wakeman joined the Ronnie Smith Band. He was later asked to leave but was reinstated. It was there he met singer Ashley Holt, who would sing on many of Wakeman's future albums.

In 1968, Wakeman got a place at the Royal College of Music in London. He studied piano, clarinet, and modern music. He hoped to become a concert pianist. He found that other students were just as good, or better, than him. He spent more time at pubs and a music shop.

Wakeman's first job as a session musician was at a recording studio. He met producers Tony Visconti, Gus Dudgeon, and Denny Cordell. Cordell was impressed and offered him more session work. Wakeman started skipping college to do these sessions.

Career Highlights and Musical Journey

Early Session Work and The Strawbs

Among Wakeman's first sessions were for David Bowie

Wakeman became a full-time session musician. He played keyboards and arranged music for many artists. He was known as "One Take Wakeman" because he worked so quickly. In June 1969, he played the Mellotron on "Space Oddity" by David Bowie. He also played on Bowie's second album and songs by Elton John and Cat Stevens.

In 1970, Wakeman joined the folk rock group The Strawbs. He had played piano on their album Dragonfly (1970). His first big show with The Strawbs was in July 1970. It was recorded as Just a Collection of Antiques and Curios. This album featured his solo piano piece "Temperament of Mind." The concert and album made him famous. Melody Maker magazine called him "tomorrow's superstar."

While with the Strawbs, Wakeman continued session work. He bought a Minimoog synthesizer. He played piano on "Morning Has Broken" by Cat Stevens in 1971. He also played on songs for Elton John and David Bowie's album Hunky Dory. Wakeman said Bowie was very influential in teaching him how to work in a studio.

In late 1971, an album of pop tunes played by Wakeman on piano was released. It was called Piano Vibrations. He was paid a small fee for the sessions and received no royalties.

Joining Yes and Solo Breakthrough

In July 1971, Wakeman faced a big decision. David Bowie invited him to join his new band. On the same day, he got a call from Chris Squire of the progressive rock group Yes. Yes needed a keyboardist. Wakeman met Yes as they rehearsed for their album Fragile (1971). He decided to join Yes, thinking it offered better opportunities. His earnings increased significantly.

Yes made Fragile quickly. The album features a solo track by each member. Wakeman's track, "Cans and Brahms," was an adaptation of a classical piece. He later called it "dreadful" because he couldn't write his own song due to contract issues. Fragile was a top ten hit in the UK and US. Wakeman signed a five-album solo deal with A&M Records.

In 1972, Wakeman was ranked second in the Top Keyboardist category by Melody Maker. Yes then released Close to the Edge, a very important progressive rock album. Wakeman played church organ and harpsichord on it. He started wearing his famous capes on stage during the tour for this album.

In January 1973, Wakeman released his first solo album, The Six Wives of Henry VIII. It was recorded during breaks from Yes. The album is instrumental and based on the characteristics of Henry VIII's six wives. The album was a big success, reaching No. 7 in the UK and No. 30 in the US. Time magazine called it one of the best albums of the year.

Wakeman performing with Yes in 1974. By this time, he had a distinctive look of long blonde hair and wearing capes on stage

Yes's double concept album Tales from Topographic Oceans came out in November 1973. Wakeman had doubts about its concept and felt some music was too experimental. He openly criticized the album. During a show in Manchester, he famously ate a curry on stage. He later said the album had "very, very nice musical moments" but also "awful" parts.

During the Topographic Oceans tour, Wakeman recorded his next work, Journey to the Centre of the Earth. It was based on Jules Verne's science-fiction novel. He decided to record it live because studio costs were too high. He sold some of his cars to help pay for it.

Two concerts were held in London in January 1974. They featured the London Symphony Orchestra and a choir. A&M Records initially refused to sell the album. But a copy was sent to co-founder Jerry Moss, who liked it and ordered its release.

After touring Topographic Oceans, Wakeman left Yes. He felt he could no longer contribute to their music style. On his 25th birthday, he announced his departure. That same day, A&M told him Journey had reached No. 1 in the UK charts. Journey also reached No. 3 in the US. The album has sold an estimated 14 million copies worldwide.

In July 1974, Wakeman headlined a concert. He performed music from Six Wives and Journey. After the show, he faced health challenges.

King Arthur and Return to Yes

During his recovery, Wakeman began writing music for his next album, The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. He was advised to reduce his workload.

In 1975, Wakeman performed his King Arthur album live with ice skaters for three nights at Wembley Arena

In September 1974, he started his first North American tour. He performed Journey to the Centre of the Earth with an orchestra and his band, The English Rock Ensemble. The tour continued to Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

King Arthur was released in March 1975. It reached No. 2 in the UK and No. 21 in the US. The album was promoted with three sold-out shows at Wembley Arena. Wakeman performed with an orchestra, choir, and his band. The arena floor was an ice rink, so he presented the show with fourteen ice skaters. These shows were very expensive to produce.

Wakeman toured King Arthur for three months in North and South America. In 1975, he composed the soundtrack for the film Lisztomania. He also appeared in the film as Thor, the god of thunder.

No Earthly Connection (1976) was recorded in France. It was inspired by a flying object Wakeman saw. He wrote about the origins of man and mysterious phenomena. The album reached No. 9 in the UK.

By summer 1976, Wakeman faced financial difficulties. He sold some of his cars and ended his car service company. He also disbanded the English Rock Ensemble.

Wakeman's situation improved when he was invited to rejoin Yes in November 1976. They were working on new songs for Going for the One (1977). Keyboardist Patrick Moraz had left the band. Wakeman agreed to play on the album. He then rejoined the band full-time. He described Going for the One as "the album Yes should have made."

Tormato (1978) features Wakeman playing a Birotron, a unique tape replay keyboard. He is said to have named the album by throwing a tomato at the artwork.

Wakeman's last albums for A&M were Rick Wakeman's Criminal Record (1977) and Rhapsodies (1979). Criminal Record featured Yes bandmates Chris Squire and Alan White. After touring with Yes in 1979, Wakeman left the group in early 1980.

New Directions and Solo Work

In 1980, Wakeman reformed the English Rock Ensemble for a European tour. He almost formed a band with Carl Palmer and John Wetton. His father's death in November 1980 led him to return to the UK. He signed a record deal with Charisma Records.

Wakeman's first album for Charisma was 1984. It was a concept rock album based on George Orwell's novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. It featured singers like Chaka Khan and Jon Anderson. 1984 was released in June 1981 and reached number 24 in the UK.

In July 1981, Wakeman performed Journey to the Centre of the Earth in South Africa. He then went on a world tour. In the same year, he recorded the soundtrack for the horror film The Burning.

His next album was Rock 'n' Roll Prophet (1982). Wakeman hosted the Channel 4 music show Gastank in 1983. He then released Cost of Living. He also recorded the soundtrack for the official 1982 FIFA World Cup documentary film G'olé!. He wrote music for the films She and Crimes of Passion.

In 1984, Wakeman signed with President Records. He released almost 40 albums with them. The first was Silent Nights (1985). The single "Glory Boys" became a small pop hit. He toured the UK, North America, and Australia. A live album, Live at Hammersmith, was released.

Wakeman in 1988

In the late 1980s, Wakeman explored new music styles. In 1986, he released Country Airs, his first new age music album. It featured solo piano tracks inspired by the countryside. It reached number one on the UK new age chart.

In 1987, Wakeman released The Family Album. It had new age tracks dedicated to his family. He also released The Gospels, his first Christian music album. It was based on the four Gospels. He performed this album at the Royal Albert Hall in London. He returned to rock with Time Machine (1988), based on H. G. Wells' science fiction novel.

In March 1988, Wakeman moved to Peel on the Isle of Man. He converted a coach house into a recording studio called Bajonor Studios. He recorded there from 1990 to 2001.

Collaborations and Later Career

In late 1988, Wakeman formed Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe with former Yes bandmates. Their self-titled album came out in 1989. This led to his third time in Yes, which became an eight-piece band. Wakeman later said he disliked the album Union (1991). However, he enjoyed the Union Tour (1991–1992) and became good friends with guitarist Trevor Rabin.

Wakeman continued his solo career. In 1990, he revived his English Rock Ensemble. He also wrote a new score for a colorized version of The Phantom of the Opera. This was released as Phantom Power in 1991.

In the early 1990s, Wakeman performed and released music to help ASSIST, a Christian organization. He donated all proceeds from his album In the Beginning to them. In 1994, he did solo piano concerts in the US for ASSIST.

Since 1992, Wakeman has toured and recorded with his son Adam Wakeman on occasion

In October 1992, Wakeman started a world tour with his son Adam Wakeman on keyboards. They released albums together like Wakeman with Wakeman (1992) and No Expense Spared (1993).

In 1995, Wakeman wrote music for the circus show Cirque Surreal. He also composed soundtracks for films like Bullet to Beijing and Midnight in Saint Petersburg. He played Mellotron on two songs for Ozzy Osbourne's album Ozzmosis.

In summer 1995, Wakeman rejoined Yes for the fourth time. They released new studio material on Keys to Ascension (1996) and Keys to Ascension 2 (1997). Wakeman left Yes in May 1997 due to scheduling issues. In June 1997, he became the host of the TV comedy show Live at Jongleurs.

Later Years and Recent Projects

In 1998, Wakeman began working on Return to the Centre of the Earth. This was a sequel album to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Journey to the Centre of the Earth. It featured the London Symphony Orchestra, a choir, and guest artists like Patrick Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne. The album was released in 1999 and reached number 34 in the UK.

In September 2000, Wakeman revived his English Rock Ensemble for a South American tour. He was very happy with his playing. In 2001, Wakeman performed in his first pantomime role in Aladdin. In 2003, he starred in the BBC TV show Grumpy Old Men. This show increased his public profile.

In April 2002, Wakeman rejoined Yes for the fifth and final time. The band toured worldwide until 2004. Wakeman said the band's playing during this time was "the best the band had ever been." After the 2004 tour, Yes took a break. Wakeman's son Oliver later replaced him on keyboards.

In April 2005, Wakeman performed three shows in Havana, Cuba. One outdoor show had 10,000 people. He performed to support a children's cancer hospital. Cuban leader Fidel Castro thanked Wakeman for his support.

Wakeman performing in 2012

In May 2009, Wakeman performed The Six Wives of Henry VIII in full for the first time. This was at Hampton Court Palace. He had wanted to perform there since 1973. The shows were released as The Six Wives of Henry VIII Live at Hampton Court Palace.

In 2012, Wakeman recorded a new, longer version of Journey to the Centre of the Earth. This was because the original conductor's score was found. The new version included previously cut parts. In 2014, he toured the UK performing the expanded album. He also created a new and expanded version of King Arthur.

In January 2016, Wakeman reunited with former Yes bandmates Jon Anderson and Trevor Rabin. They formed a new band, Anderson Rabin Wakeman. They toured from 2016 to 2018, playing Yes music.

In January 2016, Wakeman played a piano version of "Life on Mars?" on BBC Radio 2. This was a tribute to David Bowie. The positive response led him to release a solo piano album. Piano Portraits came out in January 2017. It reached No. 7 in the UK, his highest-charting album since 1975. He released two more piano albums: Piano Odyssey (2018) and Christmas Portraits (2019).

In June 2020, Wakeman released The Red Planet, an instrumental progressive rock album inspired by Mars. In March 2023, he released A Gallery of the Imagination.

In February 2023, Wakeman performed his classic albums at the London Palladium. In February 2024, he toured the UK and North America. He debuted his 30-minute piano piece "Yessonata," based on Yes songs. In November 2024, a recorded version of Yessonata was released. Wakeman also composed an orchestral piece for Jane Goodall.

Instruments and Musical Style

Wakeman performing at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of the Performing Right Society for Music Members' Benevolent Fund in 2009

Rick Wakeman is known for playing many keyboards. These include the grand piano, electric piano, pipe organ, Hammond organ, and various synthesizers. He is also famous for using the Mellotron. This is an older electronic instrument that uses magnetic tape recordings. Each key plays a sound for about 8 seconds.

Wakeman used the Mellotron on David Bowie's "Space Oddity." He also used it on Yes albums like Fragile and Close to the Edge. He used it on his solo albums The Six Wives of Henry VIII and White Rock.

He later worked on developing the Birotron. This instrument used 8-track cassette tapes. However, it was not a commercial success. Today, he uses modern instruments like the Korg Kronos and Yamaha Montage. He also uses the Memotron, which is a digital version of the Mellotron.

Recognition and Influence

Elton John said The Six Wives of Henry VIII was one of his favorite albums. He praised Wakeman's "brilliant" technique. He also noted Wakeman's "mastery of electronic instruments."

In 2011, MusicRadar listed Wakeman among "The 27 greatest keyboard players of all time." In 2019, readers of Prog magazine voted him the second greatest progressive rock keyboard player. They said his time with Yes helped define progressive rock. They also noted his fluent style and love for many music genres. In 2024, Neil McCormick of The Daily Telegraph ranked him as the second greatest keyboard player ever.

Keyboard players like Dave Greenfield of the Stranglers and Mark Kelly of Marillion have said Wakeman influenced them.

Personal Life and Other Activities

Family Life

Wakeman has been married four times and has six children. He married Rosaline Woolford in 1970. They had two sons, Oliver (born 1972) and Adam (born 1974). They divorced in 1977.

He then married Danielle Corminboeuf in 1980. They had one son, Benjamin (born 1978). They divorced later that year. In 1981, Wakeman met Nina Carter. They had a daughter, Jemma Kiera (born 1983). They married in 1984 and had a son, Oscar (born 1986). They separated in 2000 and divorced in 2004.

Wakeman also had a daughter, Amanda (born 1986), with designer Denise Gandrup. In December 2011, Wakeman married journalist Rachel Kaufman.

Health Challenges

Wakeman has faced several health issues. In his twenties, he had three heart attacks.

In 1998, he collapsed and was diagnosed with serious health issues, including pneumonia. He was placed in an induced coma.

In 2016, Wakeman announced he had type-2 diabetes. In 2023, he shared that his performing was affected by macular degeneration in his left eye. He also has arthritis in his hands and feet.

Other Interests

In the 1970s, Wakeman bought a racehorse. In 1979, he became a director of Brentford F.C., a football club. He was chairman of Camberley Town F.C. from 1983 to 1987. He is an honorary president of the Classic Rock Society.

Wakeman is a supporter of the Conservative Party.

He took up golf in the 1980s and plays in many charity tournaments. The Rick Wakeman Celebrity Classic golf tournament raised funds for the children's charity Sparks. In 2017, Wakeman became an ambassador for the animal welfare charity Animals Asia Foundation.

In October 1997, Wakeman received a Golden Badge Award. This was for his outstanding contributions to British music. In 2008, he received an honorary professorship from the London College of Music. In 2012, he received an honorary fellowship from the Royal College of Music.

Wakeman was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2021. This was for his services to music and broadcasting. He is also a Freeman of the City of London.

In September 2005, Wakeman started a weekly radio show called Rick's Place on Planet Rock. The show ended in December 2010. In late 2020, he launched Rick's Plaice, a video series.

In 2007, Wakeman joined the Chelsea Lodge, a charitable organization for entertainers. His father was also a member of a similar group. In 2019, Wakeman was elected an honorary member of his father's Lodge. He also joined the Knights Templar fraternity. In 2014, he became the 110th Worshipful Master of the Chelsea Lodge. He was also elected as the 125th King Rat in the Grand Order of Water Rats, a show business charity.

In June 2017, he was featured on the BBC Radio 4 program Desert Island Discs. His favorite music piece was Giuseppe Verdi's Anvil Chorus.

Discography

Selected Solo Albums

Film Scores

Images for kids

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  Wakeman performing with Yes in 1974.

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  In 1975, Wakeman performed his King Arthur album live with ice skaters for three nights at Wembley Arena

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  Wakeman in 1988

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  Since 1992, Wakeman has toured and recorded with his son Adam Wakeman on occasion

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  Wakeman performing in 2012

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  Wakeman performing at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of the Performing Right Society for Music Members' Benevolent Fund in 2009

See also

In Spanish: Rick Wakeman para niños