Nicky Hopkins
Nicky Hopkins had a 32-year career as a British Musician before passing in 1994.
English pianist and organist (1944–1994)
"Nicky Hopkins' most defining career moment was his extensive and iconic session work with The Rolling Stones during their golden era, from "Beggars Banquet" to "Exile on Main St." — About Nicky Hopkins
| Metric | Nicky Hopkins | Avg Musician | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 50 | 57 | -7 yrs |
| Career length | 32 yrs | ~35 yrs | -3 yrs |
| Based on 830 Musician profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about Nicky Hopkins
Did you know that Nicky Hopkins played on over 100 top 40 albums and singles, making him one of the most in-demand session keyboardists in rock history?
- Played the iconic piano intro on The Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil" and "She's a Rainbow."
- Contributed to solo albums by all four Beatles members after their breakup, including John Lennon's "Imagine."
- Was a member of the Jeff Beck Group for a period, appearing on their seminal albums "Truth" and "Beck-Ola."
- Battled Crohn's disease for most of his adult life, often performing and touring despite significant pain.
- Despite his prolific session career, he released several solo albums, notably "The Tin Man Was a Dreamer" in 1973.
Nicky Hopkins' most defining career moment was his extensive and iconic session work with The Rolling Stones during their golden era, from "Beggars Banquet" to "Exile on Main St." His soulful, blues-infused piano became an indispensable part of their sound, lending depth and character to many of their greatest tracks. He also significantly shaped the sound of The Kinks and The Who, leaving an indelible mark on countless classic rock recordings.
Nicky Hopkins is remembered as one of rock's most indispensable and versatile session pianists, whose distinctive touch enriched countless classic recordings and influenced generations of musicians. His subtle yet profound contributions ensured his place in rock and roll history, often as the 'fifth member' of legendary bands.