Rick Wakeman in the 1970s

Keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman is one of the most talented and influential musicians and composers to have graced the world of popular music. He is also one of the most prolific, with more than a 100 albums to his credit. The 1970s, however was Rick’s most important decade one in which he regularly topped magazine polls, staged extravagant concerts and released several highly successful albums, including a UK number one in Journey To The Centre of The Earth. Rick’s professional career began as a highly respected session musician where he played on hundreds of recordings, including many hit singles and songs by David Bowie, Elton John, Cat Stevens and Lou Reed, amongst many others. He was also a member of the folk rock band Strawbs and played a key role in the International success of progressive rock pioneers Yes.In addition to tracing Rick’s career trajectory throughout the 1970s, this book examines in detail his recorded output during the period, including nine solo albums, six albums with Yes and two with Strawbs. As such, this is the most comprehensive guide yet to the music of Rick Wakeman during this most pivotal decade in the history of rock.