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Richard Christopher Wakeman, born on May 18, 1949, is a British pianist, composer, and performer recognized primarily for his contributions to the progressive rock ensemble Yes and his extensive solo endeavors. He possesses classical training and merges rock, classical, and electronic genres within his compositions. According to AllMusic, he is regarded as a “classically trained keyboardist par excellence” who distinguished himself with Yes and delivered remarkable solo performances.
He has put out more than 100 solo records and remains viewed as a progressive rock legend. In 2026, at the age of 76, Wakeman still tours, unveils new works, and recuperates from health challenges.
Biography Update
Wakeman was born in Perivale, Middlesex, to Mildred Helen (Eastment) and Cyril Frank Wakeman. His father was a pianist in Ted Heath’s big band during World War II and subsequently became a manager at a building materials company. The family resided in Northolt. Wakeman attended Wood End Junior and Drayton Manor Grammar schools. He excelled in music, despite encountering difficulties in other disciplines. Rick passed his music O-level and persisted in his music studies at A-level.
He developed a passion for the piano at the age of five, motivated by Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, traditional jazz, skiffle, and Russ Conway. He began classical training with Dorothy Symes at age seven and achieved outstanding marks. Rick secured music awards, appeared in school performances, and became affiliated with South Harrow Baptist Church, where he instructed Sunday school and was baptised at 18.
He departed the Royal College of Music in 1969 to pursue a career as a session musician. Early in his journey, he participated in David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” and collaborated with Elton John, Cat Stevens, and Lou Reed. In 1970, he joined the band Strawbs and gained recognition for his talent. In 1971, he became a part of Yes, leaving in 1980, only to return multiple times thereafter.
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Wakeman encountered numerous health issues: he suffered three heart attacks in his twenties due to smoking, drinking, and excessive workload. After being diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis in 1985 and informed he had only months to live, he ceased consuming alcohol. In 1998, he battled double pneumonia and Legionnaires’ disease. In 2016, he was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, faces macular degeneration in his left eye (which necessitates monthly injections), and suffers from arthritis (he wears half-gloves while performing). In 2025, he was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus and underwent successful shunt surgery in September. He recuperated at home alongside his wife Rachel and their pets, and his music performance remained unaffected. He has been authorized to tour in 2026.
In 2026, Wakeman intends to embark on a U.S. tour with his son Oliver (March dates: Ridgefield, Phoenixville, Poughkeepsie, Derry, among others), the Rhine River prog cruise (July with Steve Hackett, Asia, Caravan), and additional events. He released Melancholia (October 2025), a solo piano work completing a trilogy (Piano Portraits 2017, Piano Odyssey 2018). His recent collaboration: “Dice and Thunder” with Nuclear Messiah (Chris Poland, January 2026). Hosts a video series titled Rick’s Plaice.
Spouse
Wakeman has been married on four occasions and is the father of six children, including Oliver and Adam. His first marriage was to Rosaline Woolford in 1970, and they had two sons before separating in 1977 due to the strains of marrying young. He wed Danielle Corminboeuf in 1980, and they had one son before divorcing in 1984. His third marriage was to Nina Carter in 1984, with whom he had two children; they divorced in 2004. He also has a daughter from a relationship with Denise Gandrup, which was kept private.
Since December 2011, he has been married to journalist Rachel Kaufman (they met in a 2004 interview; became engaged in 2007). 25 years younger, their wedding was a low-key ceremony at a windmill in Norfolk. Rachel supports his career, and they enjoy a happy life together. In the 2026 health update, he acknowledges her care during his recovery.
Band
Wakeman’s English Rock Ensemble, which was established in 1974, supports his solo performances. The current and recent members include:
- Vocals: Hayley Sanderson (2012–present; some 2025/2026 events), Mollie Marriott (2024–), Jessie Smith (2025–)
- Guitar: Dave Colquhoun (2005–present)
- Bass: Lee Pomeroy (2000–present)
- Drums: Adam Falkner (2022–present)
- Keyboards: Adam Wakeman (son, 1992–present)
Former members include Ashley Holt, Gary Pickford-Hopkins, and Tony Fernandez, who drummed until 2022. From 2016 to 2020, Wakeman also played with Yes, featuring Jon Anderson and Trevor Rabin.
Career
Wakeman was engaged in session work from 1969 to 1971 and played with Strawbs from 1970 to 1971. He was a member of Yes from 1971 to 1980, contributing to albums such as Fragile and Close to the Edge, and returned for short stints. He was also a part of Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe from 1988 to 1992, and rejoined Yes from 1995 to 2004.
Highlight of his solo career: The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1973), Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1974 UK #1), Myths and Legends of King Arthur (1975). In the 1980s: 1984 (1981), Silent Nights. In the 1990s: Return to the Centre of the Earth (1999). 2010s+: revisited 1970s works live; Piano Portraits (2017 UK top 10), Piano Odyssey (2018), Christmas Portraits (2019), The Red Planet (2020), A Gallery of the Imagination (2023), Yessonata (2024), Melancholia (2025).
Film scores: Lisztomania (1975), White Rock. TV: GasTank host, Countdown, Grumpy Old Men. Radio: Planet Rock (2005–2010). Autobiography, memoirs. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Yes (2017), CBE (2021).
Discography
Over 100 solo albums. Selected:
| 1971 | Piano Vibrations | Early solo |
| 1973 | The Six Wives of Henry VIII | Highest-selling concept |
| 1974 | Journey to the Centre of the Earth | UK #1 live |
| 1975 | Myths and Legends of King Arthur | Iconic concept |
| 1981 | 1984 | Popular conceptual rocker |
| 1999 | Return to the Centre of the Earth | UK top 40 after 18 years |
| 2017 | Piano Portraits | UK top 10 first since 1975 |
| 2018 | Piano Odyssey | Trilogy part 2 |
| 2019 | Christmas Portraits | Festive |
| 2020 | The Red Planet | Space-themed |
| 2023 | A Gallery of the Imagination | Recent |
| 2024 | Yessonata | Piano work |
| 2025 | Melancholia | Latest; trilogy completion |
Net Worth
As of 2026, Rick Wakeman’s net worth is estimated to be between $10 and $15 million. Sources vary: Celebrity Net Worth cites $10 million, derived from income earned through tours, albums, royalties from Yes, and television and radio engagements. Higher estimates, ranging from $12 to $15 million, include current U.S. tours (like the 2026 tour with Oliver), the Rhine cruise, signature gear, and revenue from streaming his music library.
