Nicky Hopkins never fronted a band. He didn’t tour the world with a solo act. But his piano playing is everywhere—from the Beatles to the Stones, from Woodstock to Wembley. One of the most influential session musicians ever, Hopkins helped shape the sound of rock, one track at a time. Here are 40 of his legendary collaborations that helped define generations.
1. The Rolling Stones
Played on more than a dozen of their albums—including “Sympathy for the Devil,” “Angie,” and most of Exile on Main St.
2. The Beatles
Added that iconic electric piano solo on the single version of “Revolution.”
3. The Who
From “The Ox” to “Getting in Tune,” his touch elevated both chaos and calm.
4. The Kinks
Appeared on Face to Face and Village Green Preservation Society, though he was never properly credited.
5. Jeff Beck Group
Co-wrote “Girl from Mill Valley” and helped make Beck-Ola a prog-blues staple.
6. Quicksilver Messenger Service
Composed the wild instrumental “Edward, the Mad Shirt Grinder” and played like he belonged on another planet.
7. John Lennon
Played beautifully on Imagine, especially “Jealous Guy” and “Oh My Love.”
8. George Harrison
Made key contributions to Living in the Material World and Extra Texture.
9. Paul McCartney
Played on “Bip Bop” and appeared again nearly 20 years later on Flowers in the Dirt.
10. Ringo Starr
Lit up “Photograph” and other tracks on Ringo and Goodnight Vienna.
11. Jerry Garcia
Joined the Jerry Garcia Band and appeared on Let It Rock and Reflections.
12. Joe Walsh
Played on “Guilty of the Crime” in 1994, one of his final studio appearances.
13. Joe Cocker
Helped create the tenderness in “You Are So Beautiful.”
14. Art Garfunkel
Brought elegance to Breakaway and Lefty.
15. Rod Stewart
Played on Blondes Have More Fun and Foot Loose & Fancy Free with infectious energy.
16. Harry Nilsson
Left a unique stamp on Son of Schmilsson.
17. Donovan
Laid down keys for Barabajagal and Essence to Essence.
18. Steve Miller Band
Co-wrote “Baby’s House” and played on Your Saving Grace.
19. Carly Simon
Appeared on No Secrets, the album that gave us “You’re So Vain.”
20. Jefferson Airplane
Played at Woodstock and on Volunteers, including the thunderous “Eskimo Blue Day.”
21. Peter Frampton
Played on Somethin’s Happening, giving it a rich, melodic layer.
22. Belinda Carlisle
Contributed to her solo debut, Belinda, in 1986.
23. The Hollies
Added flair to several late ’60s sessions during their pop-rock peak.
24. Cat Stevens
Tickled the ivories on the chart-crushing “Matthew and Son.”
25. New Riders of the Purple Sage
Joined their cosmic cowboy trip on Powerglide.
26. Badfinger
Contributed to Airwaves, helping the power pop survivors find new footing.
27. Graham Parker
Stepped in after Bob Andrews and worked on Another Grey Area.
28. Dusty Springfield
Played on White Heat, her new-wave tinged comeback in 1982.
29. The Easybeats
Lent his talents to “Heaven and Hell” and an unreleased LP.
30. The Move
Worked on “Hey Grandma” and “Wild Tiger Woman” during their early mod era.
31. Jackie Lomax
Played on Is This What You Want?, a George Harrison-produced solo debut.
32. Gene Clark
Joined sessions that bridged folk rock and cosmic country.
33. Night (band)
Played and toured with the L.A.-based band during their “Hot Summer Nights” hit run.
34. Jerry Garcia Band
Joined their dynamic mid-70s run before parting ways on New Year’s Eve 1975.
35. L. Ron Hubbard
Yes, he played on Battlefield Earth’s Space Jazz soundtrack. It’s real. It happened.
36. Marc Bolan
Appeared on “Jasper C. Debussy,” recorded during Bolan’s early acid folk period.
37. The Creation
Added his signature keys to the mod-rock classic We Are Paintermen.
38. The Jayhawks
Played piano on Hollywood Town Hall’s standout tracks “Two Angels” and “Martin’s Song.”
39. Paul Jones
Performed with the ex-Manfred Mann singer on “And the Sun Will Shine.”
40. Spinal Tap
Yes, that Spinal Tap—Hopkins played on “Rainy Day Sun” for Break Like the Wind.