When he sang, fans listened and made Jon Anderson and YES a rock band success for more than four decades. In his own right, the lead singer for YES, the highly popular progressive rock group, is a consummate singer/songwriter, guitarist and harpist. He performed with YES from 1969 through 2004 when the group turned out such hits as “Roundabout”, “All Good People”, “Long Distance Runaround”, “Find My Way Home”, “Wondrous Stories” and “Owner of a Lonely Heart”. Jon Anderson will perform the YES songbook plus his own songs in An Acoustic Evening with Jon Anderson at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Sunday, August 29, at 8:00 p.m. Media sponsor is WPLR 99.1fm.
With so much attention drawn to his voice, Jon Anderson explained in a 2008 interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "I'm an alto tenor and I can sing certain high notes, but I could never sing falsetto, so I go and hit them high." He is further distinguished by singing in his original Lancastrian (born in Lancashire, England) accent. In addition to being known for his unique alto tenor voice, Jon Anderson is responsible for most of the mythically-themed lyrics and concepts which are part of the YES legend. Beyond YES, Anderson released his first solo album, Olias of Sunhillow, in 1976. In 1985 his song, “This Time It Was Really Right”, was featured on the soundtrack for the film St. Elmo ’s fire. As a solo artist, Anderson has recorded more than 12 studio albums. He has also collaborated on musical projects with popular musicians such as Toto, The Fellowship and Jon & Vangelis.
For tickets ($60 orches., $55 mezz.) and information about The Ridgefield Playhouse, call or visit the box office at 203-438-5795, or buy adult tickets online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.
