Rock and Roll Keyboard Players

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around influential rock keyboard players and their contributions to the genre, exploring various musicians and their impact on classic rock music. Participants share personal experiences, opinions on rankings, and notable mentions, while also reflecting on the evolution of keyboard instruments in rock music.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • One participant highlights five influential keyboard players, noting their contributions to classic rock, including Nicky Hopkins and Ian Stewart.
  • Another participant suggests that Thijs Van Leer from Focus should be included in the list of influential keyboardists.
  • Discussion includes subjective rankings of keyboard players, with Keith Emerson being noted as particularly significant.
  • One participant emphasizes the unique role of the Hammond organ in rock music and its decline in popularity compared to electronic organs.
  • There are reflections on the differences in character and background between rock keyboardists and guitarists, with keyboardists often having classical training.
  • Participants mention the evolution of keyboard technology, including the Mellotron and synthesizers, and their varying impacts on rock music.
  • Concerns are raised about the declining popularity of keyboards in rock music compared to guitars, with speculation on the reasons behind this trend.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the rankings and significance of various keyboard players, indicating that multiple competing views remain. There is no consensus on a definitive list of influential keyboardists.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference personal experiences and historical context that may influence their views, but these are not universally shared. The discussion reflects a variety of perspectives on the influence and evolution of keyboard players in rock music.

  • #31
Hornbein said:
The rise of effects pedals contributed to the decline of the keyboard. You could get organ-like sounds out of an electric guitar, so who needs an organ?

View attachment 368738
Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse​

As far as I know Andy Summers remains the King of the Pedalboards. Listen to this: it's downright orchestral.


That song is perfection, the tune, guitar parts, harmony. The BBC actually banned it in the UK because it was deemed pro IRA so we didn't get to hear it much and they would not show the video.

I don't think it was pro terror, the words come across as pro peace. There are lines in there that are close to, "If I can dream," sang by Elvis in 1968. Written after Robert Kennedy was shot.

"There must be peace and understanding sometime
Strong winds of promise that will blow away every doubt and fear
If I can dream of a warmer sun
Where hope keeps shining for everyone
Tell me why, oh why, oh why won't that sun appear."

Compared to..

"There has to be an invisible sun
It gives its heat to everyone
There has to be an invisible sun
That gives us hope when the whole day's done."