Yes, Happy Birthday, Rick...

Today is the 65th birthday of one of my favourite musicians, keyboard legend Rick Wakeman.  Perhaps best known for his years with the group Yes, Wakeman has also had a very successful solo career, as well as numerous other projects and collaborations.
Born in London, Rick Wakeman studied at the Royal College of Music.  After spending time as a session musician - and working with performers like David Bowie and Cat Stevens - he joined The Strawbs in 1970.  The following year, Wakeman became the organist for Yes.

In 1974, he left the group to develop his solo career which had already seen the release of two hugely popular albums, The Six Wives of Henry VIII, and Journey to the Centre of the Earth.  The latter even topped the UK album chart.

Since then, Wakeman has released several other solo albums, as well as continuing to work with Yes on a regular basis.  He has also enjoyed success as a record producer.

Happy Birthday, Rick Wakeman.