Welcome to our exploration of the Top 12 best Rock Pianists of all time. These are the virtuosos who have not only mastered the keys but have also left an indelible mark on the world of rock music.
From the flamboyant showmanship of rock and roll pianist Jerry Lee Lewis to the iconic Elton John and versatile Billy Joel, these pianists have defined and redefined the genre.
Join us as we delve into their remarkable careers, achievements, and the unforgettable music they’ve created.
Related:
The 32 Best Jazz Pianists of All Time: Ranked
The Best Classical Pianists of All Time (Top 30)
The 12 Best Rock Pianists of All Time
1. Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947, is an English singer, pianist, and composer.
Having collaborated with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967 on more than 30 albums, John has sold over 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists ever.
He has more than fifty Top 40 hits on the UK Singles Chart and US Billboard Hot 100, including nine number-ones in the UK, nine in the US, and seven consecutive number-one albums in the US.
His tribute single “Candle in the Wind 1997”, rewritten in dedication to Diana, Princess of Wales, sold over 33 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling chart single of all time.
2. Billy Joel
William Martin Joel, commonly nicknamed the “Piano Man”, has been making music since the 1960s, releasing popular albums throughout the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Billy Joel is known for his unique style and his ability to blend various genres into his music.
He has a knack for creating memorable melodies and his piano playing is both powerful and expressive. His music has touched millions of people worldwide, and his influence on rock and pop music is undeniable.
3. Jerry Lee Lewis
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Jerry Lee Lewis, often known as “The Killer,” was a trailblazer in the world of rock and roll, bringing unparalleled energy to his piano performances.
His wild and boisterous style, which seamlessly blended rock and roll, country, and blues, set him apart from other musicians of his era.
His iconic hits, such as “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” not only solidified his status as one of rock music’s pioneers but also transformed R&B tracks into explosive rockabilly masterpieces.
Lewis’s performances were characterized by their vibrancy and captivation, with his vocals and piano skills taking center stage.
His interpretive skills were showcased as he ventured into country music, and his explosive showmanship pushed the boundaries of rock and roll, injecting it with a sense of danger.
4. Freddie Mercury
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Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara, was the lead vocalist of the rock band Queen. He is known for his flamboyant stage presence and powerful vocals.
Mercury wrote many of Queen’s biggest hits, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Killer Queen,” “Somebody to Love,” and “Don’t Stop Me Now.”
His skills on the piano were self-taught, and his style was influenced by the music of the time, including gospel, progressive rock, and classical music. Mercury’s performances were marked by his over-the-top style and his ability to connect with audiences.
He is considered one of the greatest singers in the history of rock music and his legacy continues to influence artists today.
5. Paul McCartney
Sir Paul McCartney is a highly esteemed English singer, songwriter, and musician, celebrated for his significant contributions to the music industry.
He gained worldwide fame as a member of The Beatles, one of the most influential bands in the history of popular music.
McCartney’s songwriting partnership with John Lennon was pivotal to the band’s success, resulting in numerous hit songs that continue to resonate with audiences today.
After The Beatles disbanded, McCartney continued to make his mark in the music world by forming the successful band Wings.
His musical prowess spans various genres, and he has received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and a knighthood. McCartney is also recognized as one of the world’s wealthiest musicians.
Paul is also a talented bass player, composer, and painter, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to artistic expression. After the dissolution of Wings, McCartney embarked on a successful solo career, continuing to receive critical acclaim for his work.
6. Richard Wright
Richard William Wright, a co-founder of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, was a renowned English musician known for his exceptional keyboard skills and jazz influences.
His contributions were integral to the band’s unique sound, playing keyboards, singing, and contributing to their compositions on almost all albums and tours.
Wright initially took over songwriting with Roger Waters after Syd Barrett’s departure and made significant arranging contributions to longer compositions such as “Atom Heart Mother” and “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.”
His compositions, including “The Great Gig in the Sky” and “Us and Them” on The Dark Side of the Moon, are considered iconic.
Despite his diminishing contributions towards the end of the 1970s and leaving the band after The Wall tour in 1981, he later rejoined as a session player and then became a full-time member of The Division Bell in 1994.
In 2014, Pink Floyd released “The Endless River,” which included previously unreleased parts recorded by Wright and served as a tribute to his memory.
7. Little Richard
Little Richard, born Richard Wayne Penniman, was a pioneering American singer and pianist who played a significant role in shaping the rock and roll genre.
Born on December 5, 1932, in Macon, Georgia, he was raised in a large family and developed a passion for gospel music.
He began his career performing rhythm and blues in medicine shows and nightclubs, adopting the stage name “Little Richard.”
His early recordings in the 1950s were in the soothing jump-blues style, but it was his recording of “Tutti Frutti” in 1955 that marked his breakthrough.
He followed up with a series of hits like “Rip It Up,” “Long Tall Sally,” and “Good Golly, Miss Molly,” showcasing his phenomenal voice and unique style. Despite his success, he eventually decided to leave the music business and became an Evangelical preacher.
Known as the “Architect of Rock and Roll,” Little Richard broke racial barriers and influenced various genres of music. His dynamic showmanship and innovative music left a profound legacy in the music industry.
Despite facing challenges, including drug use and health struggles, he remained an icon, influencing musicians like The Beatles, Mick Jagger, Elton John, AC/DC, and more.
Little Richard continued performing until his retirement in 2013, leaving behind a legacy as a treasured icon in American culture.
8. Rick Wakeman
Rick Wakeman, born Richard Christopher Wakeman, is a renowned English keyboardist and composer, best known for his work with the band Yes and his successful solo albums in the 1970s.
Wakeman began his career as a session musician, collaborating with notable artists such as David Bowie and Elton John. His tenure with Yes was marked by the creation of influential albums that left a significant impact on the music industry.
As a solo artist, Wakeman released acclaimed concept albums that further solidified his reputation. Despite facing challenges in the 1980s, he achieved renewed success and remains a prominent figure in the music industry.
His extensive discography includes over 90 solo albums, and he has made numerous appearances on TV and radio.Â
His career wasn’t without its difficulties; he faced financial troubles but his talent and versatility allowed him to explore different musical styles and ventures in television, film, and music production.
In 2017, Wakeman was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to his significant contributions to the music industry. In 2021, he was awarded a CBE for his contributions to music and broadcasting.
9. Jon Lord
Jon Lord, a co-founder of the band Deep Purple, was a pioneering figure in the development of hard rock and heavy metal. His mastery of the Hammond organ and keyboard brought a unique and intense element to the band’s music.
Before his time with Deep Purple, Lord played in various bands and worked as a session musician, with his early influences spanning classical, jazz, and blues music.
His work with Deep Purple showcased his dominant and sophisticated compositions, particularly on the Hammond organ.
Lord’s signature sound was a vital part of the band’s legendary status, with tracks like “Highway Star” and “Child in Time” highlighting his exceptional skills as a rock keyboardist.
His solo works included the renowned “Concerto for Group and Orchestra,” and he also composed large-scale works, demonstrating his ability to blend rock and classical music.
After leaving Deep Purple, Lord joined Whitesnake, contributing his iconic Hammond organ sound to their blues-rock style.
Despite his success with these bands, Lord sought more creative outlets, leading to the reunion of Deep Purple Mk II. He continued to perform and record, leaving a profound impact on the music industry.
His contributions to music were recognized with honors from Stevenson College and the University of Leicester. Sadly, Jon Lord passed away in 2012, but his legacy lives on in his extensive discography and the lasting influence of his music.
10. Ray Manzarek
Ray Manzarek, the celebrated keyboardist of the rock band The Doors, was known for his innovative skills on organ-style keyboards that revolutionized American popular music. Beyond his work with The Doors, Manzarek led a diverse artistic career.
He published his memoir, “Light My Fire: My Life with the Doors,” in 1998. He left a mark on rock Music and was one of the best rock pianists of all time.
He also explored his literary talents through novels like “The Poet in Exile” (2001), which delved into the urban legend of Jim Morrison faking his death, and “Snake Moon” (2006), a Civil War ghost story.
Manzarek also collaborated with various artists, producing a “Freshly Dug” poetry album in 2000 and directing the film “Love Her Madly” in the same year.
He continued to experiment with music, joining forces with composer and trumpeter Bal in 2006 for the album “Atonal Head,” which blended jazz, rock, and classical elements.
In addition to his work with The Doors, Manzarek had a diverse musical career, collaborating with various artists and releasing solo albums like “Carmina Burana” (1983) and “Love Her Madly” (2006).
He was also part of the band Nite City, producing albums like “Nite City” (1977) and “Golden Days Diamond Nights” (1978).
Manzarek’s collaborations included works with Piotr Bal, Echo & the Bunnymen, Michael McClure, Darryl Read, and Roy Rogers. He explored spoken word performances, and in film, he directed “Love Her Madly” and acted in other productions.
Ray Manzarek’s artistic contributions left an indelible mark on the music world, and his passing in 2013 was mourned by many. The surviving members of The Doors came together for a tribute to Ray Manzarek in 2016.
The benefit event celebrated Manzarek’s legacy and featured performances by alt-rock royalty. Additionally, a film festival in Asbury Park recognized a documentary about the tribute concert as one of the winners.
Ray Manzarek’s impact and influence on the music industry continue to be celebrated and remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike.
11. David Bryan
David Bryan Rashbaum, known professionally as David Bryan, is a renowned American musician and songwriter, born on February 7, 1962, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
He is best known as the keyboard player for the rock band Bon Jovi, where he co-wrote songs and provided backing vocals. Bryan is one of the best rock pianists thanks to his work with Bon Jovi, who are still celebrated and popular in 2023.
His contributions to the band led to his induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Bon Jovi in 2018. In addition to his work with the band, Bryan has made significant contributions to the world of musical theater.
He collaborated with Joe DiPietro to write the music for the musical “Memphis,” which earned them a Tony Award for Best Original Score.
They also co-wrote the musical “The Toxic Avenger” and a project titled “Chasing the Song.” Bryan’s recent involvement in the musical production “Diana,” centered around Princess Diana, premiered on Broadway in 2021 despite pandemic-related delays.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Bryan actively engages in charity work. He supports VH-1’s Save the Music program and Only Make Believe, an organization that brings interactive theater experiences to chronically ill and disabled children in hospitals.
Bryan also serves as a board member of Damon Marks’ Traveling Guitar Foundation.
Alongside Bon Jovi, he participated in philanthropic efforts, including building homes for victims of Hurricane Katrina and donating one million dollars to Oprah Winfrey’s Angel Network.
12. Jordan Rudess
Jordan Rudess is a multifaceted American keyboardist, composer, and software developer, recognized for his contributions to various music genres, including progressive rock, progressive metal, classical, new-age, and electronic.
His musical journey began with early piano talent, leading to formal training at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music.
However, his fascination with synthesizers and progressive rock led him to pursue a solo career as a keyboardist, where he gained significant recognition for his skills.
Rudess joined Dream Theater and Liquid Tension Experiment, becoming a full-time keyboardist for Dream Theater in 1999. He became one of the best rock pianists thanks to his compositions and performances with these groups.
His career is marked by various collaborations and explorations into classical composition. Rudess is also known for his innovative use of technology, creating unique live setups and founding the software company Wizdom Music.
Over the years, his live setup evolved to include instruments like the Korg Kronos, Roland Ax-Edge keytar, Hammond XK-5, lap steel guitar, Harpejji, and an iPad.
In addition to his musical career, Rudess established Wizdom Music, creating innovative music production tools for tablet computers.
His discography spans solo albums, projects with Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment, and numerous guest appearances, showcasing his diverse musical collaborations and contributions to the music industry.
Conclusion
These pianists, including Paul McCartney, Richard Wright, Little Richard, Rick Wakeman, Jon Lord, Ray Manzarek, David Bryan, and Jordan Rudess, have each brought their own unique flavor to rock music.
Their mastery of the piano and their innovative approaches to music have resulted in some of the most memorable and influential rock songs of all time.
Their legacies continue to inspire and influence new generations of musicians, proving that their impact on the world of rock music is truly timeless.
