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Rick Wakeman

• classically trained pianist, Wakeman first tasted success in the Strawbs
• replaced Tony Kaye in Yes (1971) when he left to play with Badger
  • Kaye eventually ended up with Badfinger

• 1972 - released Fragile, with the single "Roundabout" (edited version)

Roundabout

• 1972 - also released Close to the Edge
  • album contained three extended cuts
  • adventurous art rock aesthetic

For a detailed discussion & analysis of "Close to the Edge," see the chapter by Covach in Understanding Rock. Listening examples to accompany this article are provided on this site, simply <click here>.

• 1973 - released first solo effort The Six Wives of Henry VIII; below is a photo of Wakeman's impressive keyboard set-up for recording this album (click the image below to see a full-size image)
  
  
• 1974 - expressing disillusionment & conflicts with other members, Wakeman left Yes
  • he is reputed to be an extroverted, meat-eating beer drinker ... quite distinct from the other philosophically-oriented vegetarians in the band
• 1974 - released Journey to the Center of the Earth based on Jules Verne's novel

Sir Lancelot & the Black Knight

from King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (1975)

• excerpt: synthesizer break (2:00) to end ... notice the 7/4 meter when the lead vocalist enters
  • amazing keyboard virtuosity
  • accomplished orchestral composition

 

• 1977 - rejoined Yes for 2 years until replaced by Trevor Horn & Geoffrey Downes of the Buggles ("Video Killed the Radio Star")
• has produced several solo albums since

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