May 18

 Rick Wakeman

May 18, 1949

The Strawbs recruited Richard Christopher Wakeman as their keyboardist in 1970 after he established himself as a prolific session player for artists like David Bowie. He utilized the piano, mellotron, and organ to elevate their folk rock sound before joining Yes in 1971. His mastery of the synthesizer and multiple keyboard arrays became a visual and sonic focal point for the group through 1974, 1976 to 1980, 1990 to 1992, 1995 to 1997, and 2002 to 2004. His ambitious arrangements defined the peak of the progressive movement.

Following his initial departure from the collective, he focused on a successful solo career centered on elaborate conceptual recordings such as The Six Wives of Henry VIII.

He eventually returned to Yes for the Going for the One sessions, ensuring his technical influence remained central to their late seventies output. Throughout these various roles, his orchestral approach to rock arrangements significantly shaped the electronic landscape of the decade.

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Jim Moginie

May 18, 1956

Midnight Oil featured Jim Moginie as a founding member starting in 1972, where he played guitar and keyboards. He contributed significantly to the group's early pub rock sound and their transition into a more sophisticated New Wave style. His work on their self titled debut and the follow up Head Injuries established the band as a powerful force within the regional circuit before they achieved broader recognition.

He remained a constant presence in the lineup from 1972 to 2022, providing intricate arrangements and backing vocals. His collaborative songwriting helped define the ensemble's identity through their formative studio sessions and high energy live performances. Throughout the late seventies, his versatile instrumental contributions remained central to the evolving sonic landscape of the collective.

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