Nicky Hopkins, born Nicholas Christian Hopkins in Perivale, Middlesex
(February 24, 1944-September 6, 1994) was an English pianist and
organist. He received a scholarship to the prestigious Royal Academy of
Music in London; though classically trained at the Academy, it was his
discovery of rock and roll, and Chuck Berry in particular, that led him
to develop his own sense and style of boogie technique. He recorded and
performed on some of the most significant British and American popular
music recordings from the 1960s to the 1990s, and is widely regarded as
one of the most important session musicians in rock history, perhaps even
the most important. It is an almost impossible act to quantify his near-
immeasurable contribution to songs and albums so many of us know and
love. Indeed his performances are part of the fabric of classic rock itself.
His almost magical ability on the keyboards enabled him to weave just the
right sequence of notes, which Mick Jagger acknowledged when he said.
"Come on, Nicky, give us some Diamond Tianas!" Diamond Tiaras were of
course, what Nicky always produced. www.nickyhopkins.com
Nicky Hopkins
1944 - 1994
ROCK'S GREATEST SESSION MAN
This bench celebrates the life of Nicky Hopkins, with love from his fans Saturday 8th September 2018
"When Nicky sat at the piano, each take would be breathtaking and each one different from the last.
He was a truly creative and dedicated musician, modest, quiet, wonderful to work with and never given
to overstatement... all his work had an indefinable magic that shines out of the grooves." -Bob Harris
A SELECTION OF TRACKS ON WHICH NICKY PLAYS:
Art Garfunkel-1 Only Have Eyes For You
The Beatles-Revolution
Cat Stevens-Matthew and Son
Donovan Baralajapal
George Harrison-Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)
Jeff Beck-Beck's Bolero
Jefferson Airplane-Volunteers
Jerry Garcia Band Mission in the Rain
Joe Cocker-You Are So Beautiful
John Lennon-Crippled Inside
John Lennon-Jealous Gary
John Lennon-Oh My Love
The Kinks-Sunny Afternoon
Marc Bolan & T. Rex-Jasper C. Debussy
Nicky Hopkins-Waiting for the Band
Quicksilver Messenger Service-Edward, the Mad Shirt Grinder
Ringo Starr-You're Sixtern
Rod Stewart-You're in My Heart
The Rolling Stones-Angie
The Rolling Stones-Salt of the Earth
The Rolling Stones-She's a Rainbow
The Rolling Stones-Sympathy for the Devil
Steve Miller Band-Baby's House
The Who Getting in Tune
The Who Let's See Action
Perivale Park Orchard Garden, Cowgate Road, Greenford, London Borough of Ealing, Greater London, England, United Kingdom