Rick Wakeman
Richard Christopher "Rick" Wakeman (born 18 May 1949) is an English keyboard player and composer best known for being the former keyboardist in the progressive rock band Yes. He is also known for his solo albums, contributing to the BBC comedy series Grumpy Old Men and for Rick's Place, his former radio show on Planet Rock that aired until December 2010. Wakeman's music career began in 1969 when he left study at the Royal College of Music in favour of session music work. He went on to feature on songs by various artists including David Bowie, T. Rex, Elton John, Cat Stevens, and Black Sabbath. In 1969, Wakeman joined Strawbs before his first and second stints in Yes from 1971–74 and 1976–80. He co-formed Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe in 1988 which led to his inclusion in a Yes line-up of eight members from 1990–92. He returned twice from 1995–97 and 2002–04. Wakeman's solo career began in 1973. His most successful albums are his first three, 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). He has produced over 100 solo albums that have sold more than 50 million copies. In November 2010, Wakeman was awarded the Spirit of Prog award at the annual Marshall Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards. He is the father of keyboardists Adam Wakeman and Oliver Wakeman.