Nicky Hopkins, one of rock’s greatest session pianists, played on over 250 albums but remained largely unsung in the public eye. His contributions were pivotal to hits by the Rolling Stones, The Who, Joe Cocker, and many others, yet he never received the recognition—or financial compensation—he deserved.
Hopkins played key piano parts on songs like Sympathy for the Devil by the Rolling Stones, The Song Is Over by The Who, and You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker. His skill and versatility earned him a spot alongside rock legends, working with everyone from The Beatles to Jefferson Airplane and the Steve Miller Band. Despite his technical brilliance and unique ability to shape songs, Hopkins rarely received co-writing credits, and his pay was often meager. For example, he earned just six pounds for his work on Revolution by The Beatles.
A childhood illness, Crohn’s disease, plagued him throughout his life, contributing to his frail health and ultimately his early death at 50. In spite of his immense influence, Hopkins lived modestly, passing away with little to show for his groundbreaking work.
Hopkins was a classically trained pianist who combined his love for classical music with the sounds of Chicago blues and Memphis rock’n’roll. His session work began with the Kinks and The Who in the 1960s, where he became known for his ability to improvise and enhance songs on the spot. He was especially close to the Who, even receiving a co-writing credit for The Ox. Despite being offered a spot in the band, he turned it down, preferring the freedom of session work.
His 1967 work with the Rolling Stones, particularly on She’s a Rainbow and Monkey Man, showcased his knack for creating iconic, integral melodies. However, as with most of his work, the credit went to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
Throughout his career, Hopkins was highly sought after for his ability to deliver the perfect piano part, whether on a whim or after a quick change in key. He played an influential role in both the London and San Francisco music scenes, contributing to albums by Jefferson Airplane, Quicksilver Messenger Service, and others. His piano work often elevated tracks, turning them into hits.
Unfortunately, Hopkins fell into substance abuse in the 1970s, partly due to his health struggles and the pressures of touring with the Stones. Though he later cleaned up, his health continued to decline, and he died following complications from a botched surgery.
Despite his lasting impact on rock music, Nicky Hopkins remains underappreciated by many. His legacy lives on in the music he helped shape, though his story serves as a reminder of the often-overlooked contributions of session musicians to some of the greatest hits in rock history.
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