Top 10 Best Rock n Roll Pianists

The Top Ten

Elton John

Sir Elton Hercules John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, is an English singer, pianist, and composer. He has collaborated with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967 on more than 30 albums. John has sold over 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.... read more

When Elton is playing, he is not from this world. There must be more depth in this human being than any of us can imagine. Simply listen to an older album like Madman Across the Water or see one of his shows with Ray Cooper. There is profound intelligence in his playing. Every single note will be effectively accentuated. He's got so much feeling, and even in the midst of the most dramatic pattern, there is stillness and space.
Never before (and probably never again) will there be a better contribution to modern music. Glenn Gould (classical) and Oscar Peterson (jazz) were also examples that music doesn't necessarily come from this world. But Elton combines it all. In other words, just reduce Elton to his playing, and you wouldn't even need to have him visibly around. His playing is all you need.
He won't be in any competition with anybody because he simply can't be compared. All the others mentioned here would quote Elton as being their favorite, and they are grateful to have even been mentioned in the Top Ten with Elton.
Billy Joel

William Martin Joel is an American singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist. Commonly nicknamed the "Piano Man," he began his music career in the 1960s and gained popularity with his breakthrough 1973 hit of the same name. He released numerous successful albums throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s... read more

It's a long debate about the abilities of Mr. Joel and Elton John, with people taking sides over technical playing skills versus musical capacity and performance, among other things. However, the argument usually comes down to the songwriting of the two.
Elton John creates the music for all of his hits, but Bernie Taupin is the mastermind behind the fantastic lyrics of his masterpieces. Billy Joel writes both the words and music for all of his songs. He is also a soulful performer on stage, demanding attention with his passionate vocals and undeniable mastery of musical ideas.
While Elton John delivers classy piano compositions, Billy Joel, in my opinion, conveys emotion as a fervent, hungry artist. He moves from reflection to statement with memorable contrast and creativity that feels new and original in every song he writes.
Jerry Lee Lewis

Jerry Lee Lewis (1935-2022) was an American singer-songwriter, musician, and pianist. He was famously nicknamed "The Killer" and was known for his dynamic stage presence and wild performances. Lewis was a pioneer of both rock and roll and rockabilly music.... read more

What a great performer. I actually listened to him play a piano at a rest stop when I was traveling from Pennsylvania to Tennessee and he was traveling to Louisiana (I think). He was pulling a piano on a trailer, stopped for a rest break, and jumped up on the trailer and started playing the piano.
It was an incredible coincidence to have stopped and listened to this great pianist with a large crowd that gathered. We were all amazed at seeing Jerry Lee Lewis finish a performance at a rest stop!

A) The guy who first proved the piano can kick a guitar's arse in terms of rockage.
B) Live at the Star Club, Hamburg
There seems to be no consensus as to what the criteria are. Technical skill, performance skills, rocking skills, songwriting skills?
Rocking: takes the cake - his energy on the keys is incredible.
Technical: up there, the self-taught talent kind.
Performance: tied with Elton John
Songwriting: behind Elton John and Billy Joel, but rock was at a very different stage of development when he came onto the scene, so it's not quite a fair comparison. His more mature work is more country, so I'm not counting it. I'd give him a bye here.
In my humble opinion overall, he tops everyone in the top 5.
Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury was a Zanzibari‑born British singer of Indian descent, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Queen. He achieved fame for his flamboyant stage persona and remarkable four-octave vocal range.... read more

Undoubtedly the best vocalist of all time and probably one of the greatest pianists in rock as well. He created some of the most timeless and iconic melodies the planet will never forget: Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are the Champions, Don't Stop Me Now, Somebody to Love.
These songs are out of this world and are incomplete without the unparalleled piano played by Freddie on the keys. He is one of the greatest musicians of all time, if not the greatest ever!

I understand why some of the others are ranked ahead of Freddie, but in 20 years, Freddie's work will still be standing as works of art. Perhaps the same will be said of Elton John, but I doubt anyone will remember Billy Joel, and Jerry Lee Lewis will be no more than a novelty.
Ray Charles

Ray Charles Robinson, professionally known as Ray Charles, was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and composer. He pioneered the genre of soul music during the 1950s by combining blues, jazz, and gospel styles. Charles won 17 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in... read more

Ray is complete when he's with his piano. Nobody's piano playing has the soul and emotion that comes out of Ray's keys when he plays.

Even blind, he surpasses many good pianists. Ray and Rick are the best real rock 'n' roll pianists forever.

Ray is in an elite class of pianists. In my top 5 of all time.
Ben Folds

Ben Folds is a brilliant songwriter and a passionate pianist. If anyone deserves to be on this list, he does. From goofy, upbeat arrangements like "Song for the Dumped" and "One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces" to heart-wrenchingly honest songs like "Still Fighting It," I'd say the man has far more piano talent (and talent in general) than a man should be allowed to have.
Musical genius. Piano genius. Lyrical genius. Humor genius. Genius. Period.

It doesn't really matter who came before him because his skill, technicality, speed, and overall ability have surpassed Elton, Billy, Leon, et al., exponentially. He can go from classic slower songs like "Brick" or "The Luckiest" to upbeat masterpieces like "One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces," "Philosophy," or "Bastard."
As far as true piano rock goes, he is unmatched in his talent.
Leon Russell

No other pianist combines rock, rhythm and blues, and even gospel in their playing like Leon. He is an icon, and if you were to ask every other pianist on this list who is the best, they'd more than likely say Leon. It's exactly what Elton John said when he inducted Leon into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Another easy way to see where he stands and his legacy is to look at how many major artists' records he performed on. Hundreds! He was the pianist in greatest demand for many years. Rock on, Leon. You are number 1!

Leon Russell and Jerry Lee Lewis are the only rock and roll pianists as far as I'm concerned. I love Elton, but he's a songwriter who uses the piano, and he opened for Leon on his first two tours. And I forgot about Ray, so okay, keep him at number 3 for me.
But seriously, I'd go 1. Jerry, 2. Leon, 3. Ray, end of list. Now back to editing my Leon documentary for my YouTube channel, The Dark Side Boomer Mellissa. I didn't come here with that in mind, but this man needs more understanding. What's wrong with people?
Ray Manzarek

Raymond Daniel Manczarek, Jr., better known as Ray Manzarek, was an American musician, singer, producer, film director, and author. He was best known as the co-founder and keyboardist of the rock band The Doors. Manzarek's distinctive style was a key component of the band's sound.

Playing both keyboard and bass at the same time, Ray Manzarek gave The Doors their iconic sound, unmistakable for any other artist in the world. From Light My Fire to Riders on the Storm, Ray was not a classical pianist by any means, but he formed his own style which massively influenced The Doors' sound.
Together with Robby's guitar playing, inspired by flamenco, John's drum playing, inspired by African folk music, and Morrison's electric and versatile voice, ranging from pure rock to a Frank Sinatra kind of voice, the band created some timeless hits like Light My Fire, Break on Through, Riders on the Storm, Love Her Madly, Hello, I Love You, and Roadhouse Blues. The chemistry that The Doors had will never be repeated in the same way.
For these reasons, I think that Ray should be ranked much higher on the list, at least in the top 5, and well above Freddie Mercury. I don't mean to say that Freddie is a bad pianist, but at the same level as Ray? With Ray's versatile playing on both the bass and keyboard, I believe he deserves a much higher ranking, maybe even in the top 3.
Stevie Wonder

Stevland Hardaway Morris, known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He was a child prodigy and signed with Motown's Tamla label at age 11. Wonder has won 25 Grammy Awards and is known for hits like Superstition and... read more

One of the best pianists. He made his instrument sing!

Songs in the Key of Life. Enough said.
Billy Preston

Billy Preston, born William Everett Preston, was an American musician whose work spanned several genres including R&B, rock, soul, funk, and gospel. He collaborated with legendary artists such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones and had a successful solo career. Some of his best-known songs include... read more

You guys are getting Billy Preston confused with Billy Powell. Billy Powell is the pianist in Lynyrd Skynyrd, known for his excellent piano solos in songs like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Tuesday's Gone," among others.
I'm sure Billy Preston is a good pianist too, but I don't know him that well. I do know he's not in Lynyrd Skynyrd!

Definitely not the Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboard player lol. Just a guy that wrote and played music for the greatest (not forgetting his own music).
He is the only non-Beatles member to be credited on one of the band's recordings: Single: Get Back (The Beatles with Billy Preston).

The Newcomers

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Kenny Moore

His rock 'n' roll playing can be heard, for example, in the song "Better Be Good to Me," performed live with Tina Turner in Birmingham in 1985.
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Keith Godchaux

Listen to '70s Dead, and you will know why he should be on this list before many of the people listed above him.

The Contenders

Yoshiki Hayashi

Yoshiki Hayashi is a Japanese musician, songwriter, composer, and record producer. Better known by his stage name Yoshiki, he is the leader and co-founder of the heavy metal band X Japan, serving as the drummer, pianist, and main songwriter. The band achieved major success in the late 1980s and is widely... read more

He puts his soul into every piece of his music. He doesn't just make music. He creates masterpieces of melodies and emotions.
Far beyond just being a composer or an artist, he can evoke a range of emotions. He can make you cry, scream, or even feel angry. He uses music as a form of therapy to heal and create happiness, even when the music is sad. This is because he can make you live the music and see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Yoshiki, had he gone classical, would be a virtuoso pianist. He is an amazing pianist and has incredible skill at improvisation as well as at playing pretty much anything in existing works.
This man can play Chopin almost better than Chopin himself... and then play something like Art of Life.
Richard Wright

Richard William "Rick" Wright was an English musician, composer, singer, and songwriter. He was the main keyboardist and a backing vocalist for the psychedelic and progressive rock band Pink Floyd. Wright contributed significantly to the band's sound on classic albums like The Dark Side of the Moon and... read more

Some rock pianists bang out notes and play simple chords. Richard was classically trained and brings the whole package. His melodies and chords are wonderful. He needs to be in the top ten.

Sad to see him behind the Yoshiki guy and Freddie Mercury, a great songwriter and singer but an ordinary pianist. Such an original and innovative player who was taken from us way too soon.

His playing in Echoes was exceptional. Though his playing was never at the forefront of Pink Floyd's music, it is clear from what we hear that he was a brilliant artist.
David Bryan

David Bryan Rashbaum, best known as David Bryan, is the keyboard player for the American rock band Bon Jovi. He has co-written several songs for the band and provides backing vocals during live performances. Bryan is also a musical theater composer, having won a Tony Award for his work on the musical... read more

Amazingly diverse pianist. Can turn his hand to any genre imaginable. And to have been accepted into Juilliard as a young man is an achievement all of its own.

Love him! He is my inspiration as a keyboard player. He is the melody in Bon Jovi.
Little Richard

Richard Wayne Penniman, known by his stage name Little Richard, was an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in rock and roll history. His dynamic music and flamboyant performance style helped shape the genre in the 1950s.

He was the best. The guy could play the instrument upside down, behind his back, and in almost any position. The only one that could bang the keys like him might be Jerry Lee Lewis, but he didn't have the "beat" Little Richard had.
Little Richard was also ahead of his time. I think racial lines caused him to be blackballed, pushing him too far down the list. He is pure talent, and he sings as well as he plays the piano. Amazing talent. I would have wanted to see him play way more than the others.
Elton John and Billy Joel couldn't play upside down or between their legs or behind their backs without missing a step. Man, what a showman!
Fats Domino

Antoine "Fats" Domino, Jr. was a French Creole pianist and singer-songwriter. He released five gold records before 1955 and had 35 hit records in the U.S. Top 40. Fats Domino died on October 24, 2017, at the age of 89.

Much higher on my list. Top 20, in my opinion.
Rick Wakeman

Richard Christopher "Rick" Wakeman is an English keyboardist, songwriter, television and radio presenter, and author. He is best known for being a member of the progressive rock band Yes across five tenures between 1971 and 2004. Wakeman has also had a successful solo career and is known for his virtuoso... read more

I have been a fan of Yes for about three years now, I believe. It took me until just this year, however, to start paying attention to each musician individually. Before, Yes was just some good listening. Now, they're an opening to the height of musical genius. My mom and I call them the classical composers of modern times for a reason, and Rick is nothing short of the greatest (if not THE greatest) keyboardists I have ever heard. Wonderful, fluid technique, flawless style and speed, Rick is definitely someone I would pay a small fortune to see.

David Bowie's Hunky Dory! Best album ever! Rick Wakeman did all the piano besides Eight Line Poem, Bewlay Brothers, and Oh! You Pretty Things (which is almost the best piano on the album, get wrecked, Wakeman).
He also did The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, but that didn't have as much piano.
Paul McCartney

Sir James Paul McCartney (born 18 June 1942) is an English singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. With John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, he gained worldwide fame as a member of the rock band The Beatles, one of the most popular and influential groups in the history of pop... read more

Martha My Dear, You Never Give Me Your Money, Maybe I'm Amazed. Songs that show he is technically pretty good. But it's not all about technique. It is also about how you can effectively deploy and apply an instrument. And in that field, he is a master. For example: Let 'Em In.

Give me a break. Paul is a great musician, but his piano playing is average at best.

I didn't really appreciate his piano playing until later in life. Stellar, spirited player.
Matt Bellamy

Matthew James "Matt" Bellamy is an English musician, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. He is best known as the lead vocalist and principal songwriter of the alternative rock band Muse. Bellamy's dynamic guitar work, falsetto vocals, and classically influenced piano compositions... read more

United States of Eurasia, Apocalypse Please, and Starlight. Mega-intelligent pianist. Very professional and precise.
Matthew Bellamy, in the next few years, will be in the top ten list. He is such a talent, such a gift. Modern-day, incomparable with anyone. His genius overrules almost anyone in the rock music industry.
Yes, listen to Isolated System and the Exogenesis Symphonies.

If you haven't seen Bellamy's work, he is brilliant! Songs like Ruled by Secrecy, Butterflies and Hurricanes, Isolated System, Sunburn, The Globalist, Space Dementia, and Exogenesis are amazing!
Keith Emerson

Keith Noel Emerson was an English keyboardist and composer. He first gained attention performing with several local bands. Emerson achieved his first commercial success as the keyboardist of The Nice, a group known for blending classical music with rock.

Taking all things into consideration, Keith Emerson has established himself as one of the premier piano players in any genre throughout the 20th century. If we were honest, we'd have to say that not only can he play circles around everyone on this list, but his composition output far outweighs those of mediocre pop stars such as Elton John and Billy Joel. He's really in a league far above popular music in general and therefore needs to be on a more intelligent list with the likes of Glenn Gould and Arthur Rubinstein.

RIP Keith Emerson. Can anyone seriously claim that any rock cat is or was a higher-level virtuoso than Keith? I can't think of anybody, and I'm a snooty, Mike Brecker-type jazz tenor saxophonist (and if you know about Mike, you know about virtuosity).
Bob Seger

Robert Clark "Bob" Seger is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and pianist. He began his music career in the 1960s, performing with groups like Bob Seger and the Last Heard and the Bob Seger System.
Seger achieved national fame with the Silver Bullet Band, especially with the 1976 album... read more
Jon Lord

Jonathan Douglas "Jon" Lord was an English composer, pianist, and Hammond organ player. He was known for pioneering the fusion of rock with classical and baroque forms. Lord was best known for his work with Deep Purple, as well as his contributions to Whitesnake, Paice Ashton Lord, The Artwoods, and... read more

Jon Lord rocked the organ on Highway Star. Awesome keyboard dude.
John Lennon

John Winston Ono Lennon, MBE (born John Winston Lennon, 9 October 1940-8 December 1980), was an English singer, songwriter, musician, and political activist. He rose to worldwide fame as the co-founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles, the most commercially successful band in the... read more

I agree, John had more of an outrageous personality that folks listen for, bringing meaningful stories from an unbalanced mind.

Crippled Inside. Imagine. Watching The Wheels. A Day In The Life. Jealous Guy. Sexy Sadie. Face it, guys, he's awesome. What can you say? He's not just awesome. He's John Lennon.

Not sure he was the best pianist, but he made up for it by coming up with incredible melodies, arrangements, and lyrics.
Jordan Rudess

Jordan Charles Rudess is an American keyboardist and composer best known as a member of the progressive metal and rock band Dream Theater and the progressive rock supergroup Liquid Tension Experiment.

Probably one of the best out there. Even though his roots are classical and progressive, he should easily be in the top 10.

It's terrible that people do not know about Jordan.

Simply unbelievable he's not on the list already.
Trent Reznor

Michael Trent Reznor, known professionally as Trent Reznor, is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and film score composer.
He's known for his stark, industrial rock sound and his select use of music videos. Reznor has described videos as little advertisements for the music, and only... read more
John Paul Jones

John Baldwin, better known by his stage name John Paul Jones, is an English multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer, arranger, and record producer. He is best known as the bassist for the English rock band Led Zeppelin. Years after Led Zeppelin disbanded, Jones joined the supergroup Them Crooked... read more

Trampled Underfoot! Kashmir! Rock and Roll! Come on, people, Led Zeppelin.

Most underrated bass player in the world. Sure, Jimmy and Robert get the glory, but John P and John B were the guys behind the scenes. John B is obviously one of the top 3 of all-time drummers, but no one gives credit to John P J like he deserves, whether he's playing bass or piano!
Thank you, John Paul Jones!