A classically trained pianist, Nicky Hopkins embraced rock ‘n’ roll in 1960 when, inspired by Chuck Berry, he joined the Savages, a seminal pre-Beatles group led by Screaming Lord Sutch. A lengthy illness undermined Hopkins’ career, but he re-emerged in 1965 as one of the country’s leading session musicians, appearing on releases by the Who, Dusty Springfield, and the Kinks. Sterling contributions to THEIR SATANIC MAJESTIES REQUEST established a rapport with the Rolling Stones, which continued on LET IT BLEED (1969), EXILE ON MAIN STREET (1972) and BLACK AND BLUE (1976). He relocated to California, joining the Quicksilver Messenger Service for two albums, including SHADY GROVE, before completing a second solo album, THE TIN MAN WAS A DREAMER. He subsequently sessioned on John Lennon’s IMAGINE.