The Six Wives of King Henry VIII
ARTIST: Rick Wakeman
RELEASE: 1973
INTERVIEWEE: Rick Wakeman
The most direct means of telling a story is through the use of words. But classically-trained pianist Rick Wakeman had other ideas in mind when he created his debut solo release, The Six Wives of King Henry VIII. With that album, Wakeman endeavored to capture in music the essence of a succession of royal spouses, all without the use of lyrics. His efforts yielded a successful and important work, launching a solo career that continues to the present day.
"Under the terms of your contract with Atlantic Records, we have the right to ask you to do a solo record," he recalls being told. "How do you feel about that?" Wakeman replied that he liked the idea.