Rick Wakeman

Keyboardist Rick Wakeman--who also played with the Strawbs and several other acts as a session player in the 1960s--began releasing solo albums while still a member of Yes, and let no grass grow under his feet after leaving that band for good in 1979. The ever-inventive composer and player has released over 100 albums since the '70s--nine in 1991 alone--and played on many more. With elaborate stage-shows--including a King Arthur on Ice in 1975 at Wembley Pool--and a musical style that balances prog rock with new age and just about every other keyboard-based pop style in between, he's carved a unique niche for himself. Between releasing albums, he also scores films, has hosted a weekly radio program, and is a familiar face on British chat shows.

• rock