Rock and Roll Keyboard Players

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SUMMARY

This discussion highlights the significant contributions of various rock keyboard players, emphasizing their influence on classic rock music. Key figures mentioned include Nicky Hopkins, Ian Stewart, and Keith Emerson, with a focus on their unique styles and the instruments they played, such as the Hammond organ and Mellotron. The conversation also addresses the subjective nature of ranking these musicians, noting that while some, like Keith Emerson, are universally recognized, others like Doug Ingle and John Tout deserve more acknowledgment. The decline in keyboard popularity compared to guitars is attributed to the complexity of keyboard instruments and changing musical trends.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classic rock music history
  • Familiarity with iconic keyboard instruments like the Hammond organ and Mellotron
  • Knowledge of influential rock bands and their keyboardists
  • Awareness of the evolution of rock music styles and instrumentation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of the Hammond organ on rock music
  • Explore the discography and contributions of Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman
  • Learn about the role of synthesizers in 1980s pop music
  • Investigate the influence of classical music on rock keyboardists
USEFUL FOR

Musicians, music historians, and rock enthusiasts interested in the evolution of keyboard instruments in rock music and the contributions of influential keyboard players.

  • #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?

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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."