Born and raised in West London, Wakeman quit his studies at the Royal College of Music in 1969 to become a full-time session musician. His early sessions included "Space Oddity", among other tracks, for David Bowie, and songs by Elton John, Marc Bolan, Cat Stevens, and Lou Reed. In 1970, Wakeman joined the folk rock group the Strawbs, during which his virtuosity gained national press coverage. He left in 1971 to join Yes, with whom he played on some of their most influential albums across two stints until 1980. During this time Wakeman began a solo career in 1973 and became an iconic and prominent figure in progressive rock.
born and raised in west london wakeman quit his studies at the royal college of music in 1969 to become a full-time session musician his early sessions included "space oddity" among other tracks for david bowie and songs by elton john marc bolan cat stevens and lou reed in 1970 wakeman joined the folk rock group the strawbs during which his virtuosity gained national press coverage he left in 1971 to join yes with whom he played on some of their most influential albums across two stints until 1980 during this time wakeman began a solo career in 1973 and became an iconic and prominent figure in progressive rock