Recently we highlighted the best saxophonists in rock, now it’s the guys that hit the keys turn. We love the sound the keyboard makes, from “Light My Fire” to “Jungleland.” Here’s our list of the best organ or keyboardists of all time…
Keith Emerson died in 2016, but his musical contributions will live forever. We can’t imagine how Emerson, Lake and Palmer would sound without the genius of Keith.
Rick Wakeman of Yes did it early, used multiple keyboards during live performances, and merged progressive sounds with commercial tunes.
Steve Winwood started his professional career at the age of 12, playing with the Spencer Davis Group, Blind Faith, and Traffic before launching an incredibly successful solo career.
Jon Lord of Deep Purple dominated their hit songs; “My Woman From Tokyo,” “Hush,” or “Smoke On the Water.”
Herbie Hancock proved to be a visionary in the use of keyboards in rock, with a strong jazz influence.
Ray Manzarek was the Doors keyboardist from 1965 to 1973, and much older than the other Door members. It’s thought his maturity kept the Door in line during their crazy tours.
Honorable mentions go out to Chick Corea, Paul Shaffer, Booker T. Jones, Gregg Allman and Rod Argent.
—
Photo credit: Jonas Rogowski