The Forgotten Keyboardists of Rock Iconic Bands: Their Impact and Recognition

In the world of rock and roll, a keyboardist plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and dynamics of a band's music. However, it's often the lead vocalist, guitarist, or drummer who garners the majority of the credit and recognition. This is especially true for legendary bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. While there have been voices questioning this discrepancy (much like the comment about the Ed Sullivan Show), the truth is that keyboardists have a significant influence on the musical landscape. Let's delve into their often unacknowledged importance.

The Misunderstood Importance of Keyboardists

During a performance of the reformed Motley Crue on the Today Show with Jay Leno, viewers might have noticed a phenomenon similar to what was observed during the Stones' appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Tommy Lee, the off-stage rhythm guitarist, was the only one who sounded good, while the keyboardists were clearly not playing their roles effectively. This observation wasn't unique; it's also not uncommon to see the contribution of keyboardists overlooked during both live performances and on TV.

Keyboardists in The Beatles and The Rolling Stones

Many might be surprised to learn that The Beatles did recognize their keyboardist at one point, giving Billy Preston credit on some of their later releases. However, in the early days, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones did not have dedicated keyboardists. For example, in the early days of The Beatles, they played live gigs with a four-piece arrangement and hired session musicians in the studio. The same was true for The Rolling Stones, with session musicians contributing to their recordings but not receiving official credit.

Recognition for Legends like Nicky Hopkins and Billy Preston

Contrary to popular perception, there were keyboardists who achieved significant recognition in the music industry. Nicky Hopkins, a prolific session musician, worked with numerous top names, including The Rolling Stones, The Who, and the Rolling Stones again. He was also a close friend of George Harrison and helped launch Billy Preston's career. Preston, in turn, became a renowned keyboardist in his own right, releasing hit songs such as "Outa Space," "Will It Go Round in Circles," and "Nothing from Nothing." Preston's time with The Beatles was instrumental in shaping his career, leading to numerous collaborations and solo success.

Supporting Musicians and Their Impact

It's not just keyboardists who often go unrecognized. Frank Sinatra, for instance, was well aware of the value of his supporting musicians and usually included them in his performances. Similarly, Chuck Leavell, a veteran keyboardist and guitarist, started his career with The Allman Brothers and has since worked with many top musicians, including as part of the Rolling Stone Riders. Their skills often contribute to the overall quality of the music without necessarily being given the same level of recognition as lead vocalists or guitarists.

Behind the Scenes: The Bassists and Drummers

Translating behind-the-scenes accounts like the Ed Sullivan appearance, it can be argued that the bassist and drummer often take the center stage during live performances. However, in recorded performances like those on The Ed Sullivan Show, musicians like the rhythm guitarist or keyboardist might be "playing to a tape" or not actively contributing to the live performance.

The Future of Recognition

As technology and the music industry continue to evolve, there is a growing trend of acknowledging the contributions of supporting musicians and session players in the music industry. Social media and music streaming services have provided new avenues for these players to gain recognition and build their own fan bases. For instance, streaming platforms allow fans to discover new music and, consequently, recognize the work of session musicians and keyboardists.

While it's natural to place the spotlight on the lead vocalist or guitarists, the contributions of keyboardists and other supporting musicians should not be overlooked. These musicians often shape the sound and emotion of a song, making it a richer and more dynamic listening experience. As a society, we must work towards recognizing and appreciating the invaluable contributions of all musicians, regardless of their role.