Biography of Yes
Yes is, without a doubt, the definitive English progressive-rock band, purveyors of cosmic lyrics, virtuoso playing, and vast musical tapestries topped off with heart-stoppingly gorgeous melodies and sealed with a rock & roll kick. Yes was formed in London in 1968 by singer Jon Anderson and bassist Chris Squire, both owners of high, clear tenor voices that blend seamlessly in the band's trademark harmonies. The history of Yes is one of constant changes in personnel, but the group's most celebrated lineup came about when founding members Anderson, Squire, and drummer Bill Bruford, plus guitarist Steve Howe (who had enlisted in 1970), were joined in 1971 by keyboard whiz Rick Wakeman. Thus constituted, the band cut its signature tune, "Roundabout" (from the fourth Yes album, Fragile), not to mention the sumptuously symphonic magnum opus Close to the Edge. A further series of comings and goings led to a disastrous 1980 lineup (documented on "Drama") in which Squire was the only remaining original member. After a three-year hiatus, a revamped Yes (Anderson, Squire, original keyboardist Tony Kaye, long-time drummer Alan White, and South African guitarist Trevor Rabin) emerged in 1983 with a streamlined, commercialized sound, topping the charts with the danceable "Owner of a Lonely Heart." Anderson split in 1988, teaming up with some old cohorts as Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe -- essentially a rival version of Yes! The two bands joined forces in 1991 as an eight-man "mega-Yes," combining their separately recorded efforts on Union. ~ Michael P. Dawson
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![Fragile [Bonus Tracks]](http://mcsfile-us.s3.amazonaws.com/00000000000007218118/018)
![Close to the Edge [Bonus Tracks]](http://mcsfile-us.s3.amazonaws.com/00000000000004796492/018)
![Tales from Topographic Oceans [Bonus Tracks]](http://mcsfile-us.s3.amazonaws.com/00000000000004796470/018)
![The Yes Album [Bonus Tracks]](http://mcsfile-us.s3.amazonaws.com/00000000000004796554/018)
![Time and a Word [Bonus Tracks]](http://mcsfile-us.s3.amazonaws.com/00000000000004888168/018)
