Nicky Hopkins was a very under appreciated rock pianist. Most people do not even know his name or all of the records he played on. Nicky was such a great musician, he seemed to know the perfect piano part for each song. In fact, Nicky’s piano became an integral part of each song he played on. Revolution, Sympathy for the Devil, Angie, Jealous Guy… what would these songs have been like without Nicky’s piano?
I meet Nicky Hopkins in Mexicali, México, when he was touring with Joe Cocker. We had some beers and talk about a lot about his work. He was a very humble man, very talented musician. has to be considered for Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame..... Hope they do. Thanks Nicky.
They came to mexicali??? i am from Mexicali but is weird because usually rock musicians from that era never come to México and even less a little town like this ,thats wonderful what are you from?? And the year you meet her??
@@angelicaquirarte Hi Angélica. Yes, they performed at the "Plaza Calafia", I took some photos of Nicky there that I can share. In those years Nicky was already a well-known musician and had many recordings on different albums by great artists.
The man was amazing, and a huge loss for the music world. My most favorite keyboard player of all time, and this is saying a lot seeing who was out there at the time. He had a very unique sound, that once you heard him, you never forgot.
I knew Nicky, and worked with him for a time. For those of you who do not know, he was the most recorded keyboard player in the history of Rock. Nicky played on over 500 albums. As far as his 'health' issues. Nicky had Crohn's disease, and always suffered from his digestive problems. He died from complications of his disorders. Nicky was the most humble, genuine persons I've ever known. Never a bad word to say about anyone. I'd never know he was a scientologist if he hadn't told me.
@@tylerthompson1842Well will Tyler you actually hit on something but I don't feel that it's necessary to openly discuss the benefits or the failures of Scientology. Something else was at play, and from my pov may have been a factor in his being in Scientology. He was very in love with his wife Dolly. From a superficial perspective, it may have appeared ( treading on thin ice here) that she was the force that steered him in that direction. I was with him when he did a show in San Francisco, and on the flight back we had some time to talk. He spoke adoringly about his wife, then leaned in as if someone may hear. He expressed dismay at any institution which required money to gain spirit. +*The above was maybe true, but then I don't remember what I don't remember stay out of trouble she says.
I bought Jamm'in with Edward for a buck at a flea market when I was in college (back in the late 1800's when I was in college) and after being blown away by Highland Fling I had to know who that piano player was. That was my introduction to Nicky Hopkins and he remains one of my favorite musicians.
He was Rock and Roll's most influential keyboardist and certainly helped to make the Stones the complete band that they were during the very best years.
@@robertbentzel8105 I know that's a big statement, but musically, I would say yes. JLL was a bigger influence personality wise, but Nicky's playing was a cut above.
Lighten up on Merrill. A rock and roll pioneer. A good musician. As for Nicky he was the greatest rock and roll season pianist. Does the " rock and roll hall of fame" deserve him. Thanks again for the post.
Thank you for uploading this! Nicky was undoubtedly the greatest pianist the UK ever produced. His playing was endlessly inventive, soulful, full of energy and beauty. How I miss him. A fascinating interview!
This interview was done for a TV show with producers and directors calling the shots. There was only 6 mns of time before it went to commercial. It would take days to cover every artist and band Nicky played and recorded with. We did the best we could with the time we had. We did manage to squeeze in a few live jams "Boppin The Blues", also posted and "Lucille" from a concert we did together. Be glad we have this interview with Nicky!
There's so many...."She's a Rainbow", 'Sympathy for the Devil", "Gimme Shelter", "Monkey Man", "Angie"....not to mention Cocker's original 'You Are So Beautiful", and George Harrison's "Give Me Love (Peace on Earth)...and many more
This is such a good interview, asking questions that are realted to music. Gigs and how they started to presue music. Not private questions like Oprah does May Nickys soul rest in peace- 2021
So nice to see this interview.......like a few other commentors I had the pleasure of meeting him in the Fall of 83 in LA. I'm not a musician, it came about as a result of my work. He was such a nice & humble person (it was only after our meeting that I really found out how prolific & GREAT a pianist he was). Amazing is the only term that comes to mind, the sheer volume of work & the people that he worked with. Would LOVE to have that chance again, knowing now what I didn't know then. RIP Nicky.
@JoeyJoelBand I will second that as I also knew him and Moira... he was a gentle soul with a great gift for finding what an artist would want on any particular track. It was terrible what he had to go through physically and still remain a gentleman . R.I.P. Nicky
@manfrommu: Thanks, Merrell. I am currently reading Julian Dawson's Nicky-biography and I felt the urge to check out youtube for some Nicky interviews. Good job and keep up the good work. Best regards, Detroit1967
Nicky told me so many stories of the beginnings of the British invasion bands when we were housemates and both into Scientology. I knew. lot of musicians back then, but no one was as talented as Nicky. The reason She's a Rainbow was used in a TV. commercial not that long ago was because of Nicky's brilliant harpsichord opening.
When was this? (housemates) "Though the song was only a modest success in 1967, it's been re-discovered by Madison Avenue for use in numerous ad campaigns. " His solo is even better. Then JP Jones ruins it...
Cool discussion with world's greatest rock and roll pianist. (Would love to hear second part...) Also, how can we get "Tin Man" re-released, as well as the rest of Nicky's catalog?
Merrell Fankhauser (the interviewer) is also an incredible musician (singer/guitarist). He was a contemporary of Captain Beefheart and they “traded” band members from time to time. He and Jeff Cotton (slide guitarist on Trout Mask Replica) formed a band called “Mu” in the early 70’s and moved to Hawaii. They believed they were linked to an ancient race of transcendent beings from Atlantis. The song “You and I” by them is really great.
The kicker on the San Diego Chargers had Crohns. Rolf B. Very debilitating. Saw Nicky at the La Paloma in Encinitas with the Jerry Garcia Band. Nice Guy. R.I.P
Was Nicky Hopkins a classically trained pianist? Was he a music college graduate? Or was he self-taught with his amazing chord inversions? Any information on this? Thanks!
Great interview. Am currently reading Nicky's biography - "and on piano........nicky hopkins" by Julian Dawson. Great read and stories. Interesting to read his experience with Jeff Beck. Beck does not come out looking too good.
Dawson probably didn't hear this interview, as Hopkins authoritatively inserts a couple bands between Lord Sutch and Cyril Davies: the Saxons, and then Cliff Bennett and the Rabble Rousers. Starting at 3:48.
He spend very little time with bestles ,1 song or 2 , and also played with many other artists, but he spend most of the years was spend with the stones, he played on many many songs and albums with the stones 12 or 14 years .
Always wondered who Nicky Hopkins was.....I knew he could play the piano, but who was HE?? The interviewer is a pain in the ass.....but he did get Nicky to toalk
Nicky will live on forever. Should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
As a piano player myself, I really admire how beautifully this guy played piano.
Nicky played in my band in 85 he was a real nice person and so talented I use to hear him with Jeff Beck I was honored to know him. Rest In Peace 🙏🙏🙏
Go buy yourself some bubble gum
Added to your comment.. Nice yes, I would add he was a gentleman and very caring about his friends and all people really.
Thanks for posting this. Mr. Hopkins is an unjustly overlooked musician.
Nicky Hopkins was a very under appreciated rock pianist. Most people do not even know his name or all of the records he played on. Nicky was such a great musician, he seemed to know the perfect piano part for each song. In fact, Nicky’s piano became an integral part of each song he played on. Revolution, Sympathy for the Devil, Angie, Jealous Guy… what would these songs have been like without Nicky’s piano?
Not under appreciated by serious music lovers
I meet Nicky Hopkins in Mexicali, México, when he was touring with Joe Cocker. We had some beers and talk about a lot about his work. He was a very humble man, very talented musician. has to be considered for Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame..... Hope they do. Thanks Nicky.
They came to mexicali??? i am from Mexicali but is weird because usually rock musicians from that era never come to México and even less a little town like this ,thats wonderful what are you from?? And the year you meet her??
@@angelicaquirarte Hi Angélica. Yes, they performed at the "Plaza Calafia", I took some photos of Nicky there that I can share. In those years Nicky was already a well-known musician and had many recordings on different albums by great artists.
@@cesarrenecardenascazarez2584 She asked you the year
I recall listening to lp’s from the 60’s and remarking when the piano came in ‘oh that’s Nicky Hopkins’. His sound was unique to himself.
it's great to see a legendary musician like nicky hopkins seem so humble
A great man often overlooked. He contributed so much to my favorite musical era. Rest well Nicky.
The man was amazing, and a huge loss for the music world. My most favorite keyboard player of all time, and this is saying a lot seeing who was out there at the time. He had a very unique sound, that once you heard him, you never forgot.
I knew Nicky, and worked with him for a time. For those of you who do not know, he was the most recorded keyboard player in the history of Rock. Nicky played on over 500 albums.
As far as his 'health' issues. Nicky had Crohn's disease, and always suffered from his digestive problems. He died from complications of his disorders.
Nicky was the most humble, genuine persons I've ever known. Never a bad word to say about anyone. I'd never know he was a scientologist if he hadn't told me.
What a great humble person and a very talented man . So saddened to hear about his health problems and death
Lived in Nashville 1991-2018. Had the honor of knowing Moira.
Wow scientologiste, i'd preferred not knowing that but he stays my favorite rock pianist anyway.
It’s a shame Scientology couldn’t help him since I’m guessing he gave them all the money they wanted out of him.. false profits and all that
@@tylerthompson1842Well will Tyler you actually hit on something but I don't feel that it's necessary to openly discuss the benefits or the failures of Scientology. Something else was at play, and from my pov may have been a factor in his being in Scientology. He was very in love with his wife Dolly. From a superficial perspective, it may have appeared ( treading on thin ice here) that she was the force that steered him in that direction. I was with him when he did a show in San Francisco, and on the flight back we had some time to talk. He spoke adoringly about his wife, then leaned in as if someone may hear. He expressed dismay at any institution which required money to gain spirit.
+*The above was maybe true, but then I don't remember what I don't remember stay out of trouble she says.
Nicky was such a fine talent, and he added tremendous depth and beauty to the many recordings that he enhanced with his playing.
So sensuous...
I bought Jamm'in with Edward for a buck at a flea market when I was in college (back in the late 1800's when I was in college) and after being blown away by Highland Fling I had to know who that piano player was. That was my introduction to Nicky Hopkins and he remains one of my favorite musicians.
He should be in the R&R Hall of Fame.
R.I.P. Nicky. Gone now but never to be forgotten. He jammed with the best.
What an amazing piano player!
He was Rock and Roll's most influential keyboardist and certainly helped to make the Stones the complete band that they were during the very best years.
Agree 100%...that late ‘60’s stuff by The Stones, they really owe a big debt of gratitude for his input!
More then Jerry Lee?
@@robertbentzel8105 I know that's a big statement, but musically, I would say yes. JLL was a bigger influence personality wise, but Nicky's playing was a cut above.
Lighten up on Merrill. A rock and roll pioneer. A good musician. As for Nicky he was the greatest rock and roll season pianist. Does the " rock and roll hall of fame" deserve him. Thanks again for the post.
He's too good for the hall of fame
Nicky - true piano / keyboard virtuoso !!!
Nicky has solids bases learning first classical piano for years.
Happy birthday, Nicky. You are missed.
Kind and Cool...Nice Person, Nicky Hopkins!!!
Nicky was such an example of excellence, I like what he said about his era of music compared to current music, still applies.
Thank you for uploading this! Nicky was undoubtedly the greatest pianist the UK ever produced. His playing was endlessly inventive, soulful, full of energy and beauty. How I miss him. A fascinating interview!
He made beautiful music even more beautiful.
El mejor pianista en la era del Rock. RIP Sep-1994
He was a damn genius.
For me, Hopkin's piano on She's A Rainbow is the best thing he ever did.
There's a song he did with Steve Miller called "Baby's House." His playing on that is amazing.
Played with Jefferson airplane at woodstock. also, great playing with Quicksilver. Great piano player.
Steve Miller band too; a good example being Baby's House.
The stones, lol the greatest rock n roll band ever
@@wslvingtsun6768
Brilliant with the Stones!
@@hughtierney9109 A fabulous song that, Baby's House, for me Steve's best. Nicky's work outstanding.
This interview was done for a TV show with producers and directors calling the shots. There was only 6 mns of time before it went to commercial. It would take days to cover every artist and band Nicky played and recorded with.
We did the best we could with the time we had. We did manage to squeeze in a few live jams "Boppin The Blues", also posted and "Lucille" from a concert we did together. Be glad we have this interview with Nicky!
I was lucky to see him play in Miami in the early 70s with Quicksilver Messenger service best piano player i ever seen what a loss when he died
Legend
Whatever he played on, he enhanced the band....
wonderful player. two great musicians here.
Nicky was so good and so unknown :l
Wow, Nicky is cool.
most of the piano on exile on main street
There's so many...."She's a Rainbow", 'Sympathy for the Devil", "Gimme Shelter", "Monkey Man", "Angie"....not to mention Cocker's original 'You Are So Beautiful", and George Harrison's "Give Me Love (Peace on Earth)...and many more
Sluff Adlin Not forgetting the brilliant piano playing that makes ‘Jealous Guy’
This is such a good interview, asking questions that are realted to music. Gigs and how they started to presue music. Not private questions like Oprah does
May Nickys soul rest in peace- 2021
At the time I wasn't aware of his involvement with the Stones. I knew his piano play through Quicksilver. Absolutely mind-blowing!
Same.
Best Rock pianinst ever? fuck yeah
Leon Russell and Larry Knechtel 'd say were in the same peer group!!
@@Tunz909 so love Leon💓
Today Commemorates Nicky Hopkins' 75th Birthday
Awesome interview. Thanks for posting this!
chipsullivan--I'm so jealous!! Great story. Never imagined I'd find Nicky on UA-cam but after looking everywhere else... Thanks for posting this.
First saw him with Quicksilver Messenger Service at the Fillmore East. That show inspired me to play piano in a Rock'n'Roll band.
His most famous pianoplay song is Imagine.
Nicky recorded piano overdub on john'spiano, with no credit about this song.
This guys touched so much greatness...
interviewer lets questions go by...
didn't flinch when he dropped "Jeff Beck"
Play the keyboard Nicky!
this is awesome
The tin man is a dreamer is a masterpiece !!! Rip Nickie
Genio!!! tus melodias aun nos siguen emocionando!!
deberian hacerle un homenaje en el Rock&Roll Hall Of Fame!
He had some great songs with Quicksilver Messenger Service. Spindrifter is a haunting melody.
Nicky Hopkins' piano was a sentient being!
My favourite player
So nice to see this interview.......like a few other commentors I had the pleasure of meeting him in the Fall of 83 in LA. I'm not a musician, it came about as a result of my work. He was such a nice & humble person (it was only after our meeting that I really found out how prolific & GREAT a pianist he was). Amazing is the only term that comes to mind, the sheer volume of work & the people that he worked with. Would LOVE to have that chance again, knowing now what I didn't know then. RIP Nicky.
@JoeyJoelBand
I will second that as I also knew him and Moira... he was a gentle soul with a great gift for finding what an artist would want on any particular track. It was terrible what he had to go through physically and still remain a gentleman . R.I.P. Nicky
how about the Who, Kinks, Jerry Garcia band, Jefferson Airplane-genius
Anyone watching this that hasn't heard Spindrifter, take time to check it out. RIP Nicky.
@regaltip8A Thanks for the info on the book, had heard about it......no details. Will be on the lookout!
@manfrommu: Thanks, Merrell. I am currently reading Julian Dawson's Nicky-biography and I felt the urge to check out youtube for some Nicky interviews. Good job and keep up the good work.
Best regards,
Detroit1967
Nicky told me so many stories of the beginnings of the British invasion bands when we were housemates and both into Scientology. I knew. lot of musicians back then, but no one was as talented as Nicky. The reason She's a Rainbow was used in a TV. commercial not that long ago was because of Nicky's brilliant harpsichord opening.
When was this? (housemates) "Though the song was only a modest success in 1967, it's been re-discovered by Madison Avenue for use in numerous ad campaigns. " His solo is even better. Then JP Jones ruins it...
One of the best piano players in the history of music and they sit him in front of a Casio???
I know, right? He always maintained he was a pianist, not a keyboardist.
He played synths and organs though I think?
the best talent
Added great rhythm's to Johns and George's songs.
Nicky fue genial!!
Tin man was a dreamer is one of the best albums ever..
The Beatles Revolution Nicky Hopkins and then John and George.
Cool discussion with world's greatest rock and roll pianist. (Would love to hear second part...) Also, how can we get "Tin Man" re-released, as well as the rest of Nicky's catalog?
Great musician, he played with quicksilver, stones, john lennon,jeff beck, just to name a few
6:56 Nicky said 1967-1981. I think it's 1967- Dec 1974. Last recorded is Fool to Cry.
On Tattoo You he plays on Waiting on a Friend recorded in 1972.
The interviewer is hideous. Nicky was the best. I'll keep searching for a better interview with Nicky. He must have some fabulous stories to tell.
You're hideous.
Merrell Fankhauser (the interviewer) is also an incredible musician (singer/guitarist). He was a contemporary of Captain Beefheart and they “traded” band members from time to time. He and Jeff Cotton (slide guitarist on Trout Mask Replica) formed a band called “Mu” in the early 70’s and moved to Hawaii. They believed they were linked to an ancient race of transcendent beings from Atlantis. The song “You and I” by them is really great.
Nice!!
Nice!!
there you are again. you have good taste
Agreed!
I liked him on quicksilver messenger service
The kicker on the San Diego Chargers had Crohns. Rolf B. Very debilitating. Saw Nicky at the La Paloma in Encinitas with the Jerry Garcia Band. Nice Guy. R.I.P
where is the rest of it?
Ate lunch with him at Sittons Coffee Shop with Joe Farrell and some other cats.. now No Ho Cafe
They gave him a CASIO?!
cool
My guru....... The man says so much with fewer notes.
Nicky Hopkins, the Maestro
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Was Nicky Hopkins a classically trained pianist? Was he a music college graduate? Or was he self-taught with his amazing chord inversions? Any information on this? Thanks!
Classically trained at London's Royal Academy of Music, the same place Elton John studied, according to Julian Dawson's biography of him.
Guys talking to him like he’s a senior citizen
Great interview. Am currently reading Nicky's biography - "and on piano........nicky hopkins" by Julian Dawson. Great read and stories. Interesting to read his experience with Jeff Beck. Beck does not come out looking too good.
Dawson probably didn't hear this interview, as Hopkins authoritatively inserts a couple bands between Lord Sutch and Cyril Davies: the Saxons, and then Cliff Bennett and the Rabble Rousers. Starting at 3:48.
electric piano on come together by the beatles?
no, he played on Revolution (the single).
@@eric669 Correct
Rolling Stones owe this man a lot. Not man, legend.
Great talent small ego!
Dang -- wanted to hear him talk about playing with the Beatles.
He spend very little time with bestles ,1 song or 2 , and also played with many other artists, but he spend most of the years was spend with the stones, he played on many many songs and albums with the stones 12 or 14 years .
@@josehborba3004 Yes, I think the Beatles already had a couple or more piano players..... ;-)
He played on Revolution
hms bounty and fapardocly I do have the recods and theyre neat I mean groovy
He looks like Dsvid Bowie in a Cliff Richard and George Harrison sandwich
Just found out he was a Scientologist.
the rolling stones
john lennon
jeff beck
to name a few of the greats he's worked with
john lennon's friend
The regular guys and oh Nicky Hopkins....Grace Slick at Woodstock
Always wondered who Nicky Hopkins was.....I knew he could play the piano, but who was HE?? The interviewer is a pain in the ass.....but he did get Nicky to toalk
That interviewer annoyed the hell out of me... RIP Nicky
Yeah...I don't think the interviewer knew Jeff Beck?
Interviewer talks too much. I wanna hear Nicky talk.
Good Lord Screaming Lord Sutch that guy had no talent and he attracted the most talented people ever.
interviewer when Nicky is reciting history has no idea what he's talking about. who is this pretty face anyway?
he could care less
Holy crap the interviewer is awful.