Rick Wakeman (born 18 May 1949) is an English keyboardist, songwriter, television and radio presenter, and author. His early sessions included playing on "Space Oddity", among others, for David Bowie and songs by Junior's Eyes, T. Rex, Elton John, and Cat Stevens. Wakeman became a member of Strawbs in 1970 before joining Yes a year later, becoming part of the band's "classic" line-up and playing on some of their most successful and influential albums across two stints until 1980. Wakeman began a solo career during this time, in 1973. He formed his rock band, The English Rock Ensemble, in 1974, with which he continues to perform. (More from Wikipedia)
Future keyboard superstar Rick Wakeman was in the Strawbs in 1970 and 1971; he had been an active session musician, whose work includes playing mellotron on David Bowie's first hit single, "Space Oddity" in June 1969. He remained with the band for three albums but eventually left when he decided that his presence was causing both he and the Strawbs to be creatively stagnant. Rick Wakeman joined Yes in 1971 and was with the band during their most productive period, for the albums Fragile, Close to the Edge, and Tales from Topographic Oceans. Rick Wakeman started his solo career by early 1974, though he continued to play with Yes off and on over the years, including their 35th anniversary concert in 2004.
After Rick Wakeman left Strawbs, bandleader Dave Cousins consulted the I Ching to see what was next for the band. Quoting Wikipedia: "The answer from the coins, 'Humble must he constant be, where the paths of wisdom lead, distant is the shadow of the setting sun', forms part of the first two lines of the lyrics of the song ['Benedictus']."
(July 2014)
