Famous British Pianists

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 1 
Benjamin Britten
(British Composer, Pianist, and Conductor Known for His Iconic Operas)
Benjamin Britten
4
Birthdate: November 22, 1913
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Lowestoft
Died: December 4, 1976

Path-breaking British composer, pianist, and conductor Benjamin Britten was known for his fine operas such as Peter Grimes and the War Requiem. He also created countless orchestral works and is known for his long professional partnership with tenor Peter Pears, a collaboration that led to the formation of the Britten-Pears Foundation.

 2 
Tom Fletcher
(Musician)
Tom Fletcher
4
Birthdate: July 17, 1985
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: London Borough of Harrow
Tom Fletcher, lead vocalist and guitarist of the band McFly, has also written for several artists and bands, such as Busted, One Direction, and The Vamps. A successful YouTube vlogger, too, he has documented and shared all three pregnancies of his wife, Giovanna. He has also written several children’s books.
 3 
Jack Bruce
(Scottish Singer-Songwriter and Former Member of the Band Cream)
Jack Bruce
4
Birthdate: May 14, 1943
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Bishopbriggs
Died: October 25, 2014

Legendary Scottish singer-songwriter, bassist, and composer Jack Bruce gained international fame with the British rock band Cream and released iconic tracks such as I Feel Free. He also performed as part of the jazz fusion group the Tony Williams Lifetime. In 2006, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

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 4 
Rick Wakeman
(English Keyboardist and Composer)
Rick Wakeman
5
Birthdate: May 18, 1949
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Perivale, London, England, United Kingdom

One of the most popular rock keyboardists of the progressive rock genre, Rick Wakeman soared to fame as part of the band Yes and later had an equally successful solo career. He had ditched his initial dream of becoming a pianist to start his career as a session musician.

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 5 
Elton John
(Singer, Pianist and Composer- One of the Best-Selling Artists of All Time)
Elton John
0
Birthdate: March 25, 1947
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Pinner, England
The supremely gifted English singer, songwriter, pianist and composer, Elton John has entertained music lovers globally since the 1970s. His phenomenal talent make him one of the best-selling music artists in the world. Not to forget his tribute to Princess Diana, Candle in the Wind 1997, which till date is one of the best-selling singles in the UK and the US.
 6 
Myleene Klass
(British Singer, Musician and Member of the Pop Group 'Hear'Say')
Myleene Klass
4
Birthdate: April 6, 1978
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, United Kingdom

Myleene Klass is a British singer, musician, TV presenter, model, and businesswoman. Klass achieved popularity when she became part of the pop group Hear'Say. Her popularity increased when she started hosting television shows like Popstar to Operastar and BBQ Champ. Myleene Klass is also known for her charity work; she has been the face of charity campaigns like ChildLine.

 7 
Jools Holland
(English Singer, Composer, Pianist, Bandleader, and Television Presenter)
Jools Holland
3
Birthdate: January 24, 1958
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Blackheath, London, United Kingdom

Jools Holland is an English singer, composer, pianist, bandleader, and television presenter. He came into prominence in the mid-1970s, when he became part of the rock band Squeeze. His popularity increased when he co-presented the popular music TV show The Tube from 1982 to 1987. Jools Holland is also known for his collaborations with famous artists like Sting and Bono.

 8 
Dhani Harrison
(English Musician, Singer and Son of George Harrison)
Dhani Harrison
4
Birthdate: August 1, 1978
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Windsor

Dhani Harrison is an English musician, singer-songwriter, and composer. Best known as the son of George Harrison, Dhani started his career by assisting his father record his final album, Brainwashed. He then went on to form his own band called Thenewno2. Dhani Harrison also established himself as a composer, scoring music for TV shows like Good Girls Revolt and Outsiders.

 9 
Jack Savoretti
(British Musician, Singer, and Songwriter)
Jack Savoretti
4
Birthdate: October 10, 1983
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: London, England

Jack Savoretti is a British musician, singer, and songwriter. He achieved popularity in 2015, when he released his fourth studio album, Written in Scars, which peaked at number seven on the UK Albums Chart. In 2019, Jack Savoretti released his sixth album Singing to Strangers, which became his first album to peak at number one on the UK Albums Chart.

 10 
Evgeny Kissin
(Russian-born Composer and Concert Pianist)
Evgeny Kissin
2
Birthdate: October 10, 1971
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Moscow

Evgeny Kissin is a Russian-born composer and concert pianist. He is renowned for his renditions of the works of great musicians like Ludwig van Beethoven, Robert Schumann, and Sergei Rachmaninoff. Over the course of his illustrious career, Evgeny Kissin has won many prestigious musical awards, such as the Grammy Awards, Triumph Award, and Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli Award.

 11 
Declan McKenna
(English Pop and Rock Singer-Songwriter)
Declan McKenna
4
Birthdate: December 24, 1998
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Enfield, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

Declan McKenna went from being a high-school drop-out to winning the 2017 BBC Music Introducing Artist of the Year Award. He gained fame with his chartbusting debut single, Brazil, which criticized the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He has also participated in major music festivals, such as Coachella and Glastonbury.

 12 
James Righton
(Musician)
James Righton
11
Birthdate: August 25, 1983
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: England

James Righton is an English musician credited with co-creating the new rave band Klaxons. Apart from releasing albums and singles, James Righton also works on creating music for films and theatre. In 2015, he scored music for a short film titled William. In 2018, he scored for a comedy-drama feature film titled Benjamin.

 13 
Jon Lord
(English Pianist and Keyboardist of Deep Purple)
Jon Lord
3
Birthdate: June 9, 1941
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Leicester
Died: July 16, 2012

English composer, pianist, and Hammond organ player Jon Lord is remembered for his fiery performances as the keyboardist of the rock band Deep Purple. Trained in classical piano, he also received a drama school scholarship, which he ditched to focus on music. He was posthumously named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

 14 
John Mayall
(English Blues and Rock Musician, Songwriter and Producer)
John Mayall
3
Birthdate: November 29, 1933
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Macclesfield, United Kingdom
 15 
KT Tunstall
(Musician and Singer-Songwriter)
KT Tunstall
3
Birthdate: June 23, 1975
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Edinburgh

KT Tunstall is a Scottish musician and singer-songwriter. She came into prominence in 2004, when she performed Black Horse and the Cherry Tree in a music TV show called Later... with Jools Holland. KT Tunstall is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the European Border Breakers Award, Ivor Novello Award, Scottish Style Award, and Brit Award.

 16 
Georg Solti
(Hungarian-British Orchestral and Operatic Conductor Who has appeared With Opera Companies in Munich, Frankfurt and London)
Georg Solti
3
Birthdate: October 21, 1912
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Budapest, Hungary
Died: September 5, 1997

Georg Solti was an operatic and orchestral conductor. He is best remembered for his association with opera companies in London, Frankfurt, and Munich. He also worked with the popular Chicago Symphony Orchestra where he served as a music director for a long time. Solti became the subject of a 1987 biographical TV documentary titled This Is Your Life.

 17 
Stuart Adamson
(Scottish Rock Singer, Guitarist, and Founder Member of Skids)
Stuart Adamson
3
Birthdate: April 11, 1958
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Manchester
Died: December 16, 2001

One likened to legendary musician Jimi Hendrix, Scottish rock guitarist and singer Stuart Adamson was a founder member of the Scottish punk rock/new wave band Skids. He later formed the rock band Big Country. He hanged himself to death in a Hawaiian hotel at age 43.

 18 
Albert Lee
(Musician, Pianist, Singer, Guitarist)
Albert Lee
3
Birthdate: December 21, 1943
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Leominster

Albert Lee is an English guitarist best known for his hybrid picking and fingerstyle technique. Renowned for his technical virtuosity and his speed of playing, Lee was named the Best Country Guitarist by Guitar Player magazine on five consecutive occasions. At the 2017 UK Americana Awards, Albert Lee was awarded the prestigious Trailblazer Lifetime Achievement Award.

 19 
John Cale
(Welsh Musician, Composer and Founding Member of the American Rock Band 'The Velvet Underground')
John Cale
0
Birthdate: March 9, 1942
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Garnant, Wales

Experimental musician John Cale is best known as the co-founder of the rock band The Velvet Underground. The son of a coal miner father, he later developed a love for music that earned him a scholarship to the University of London. Prescribed opiates for his bronchial issues, he later struggled with addiction.

 20 
Mitsuko Uchida
(Classical pianist, conductor)
Mitsuko Uchida
2
Birthdate: December 20, 1948
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Atami, Shizuoka, Japan
 21 
Andras Schiff
(Pianist)
Andras Schiff
2
Birthdate: December 21, 1953
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Budapest, Hungary

Born to Holocaust survivors, Hungarian-born pianist Andras Schiff began learning the piano at age 5. He is now best known for his interpretations of legends such as of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. His numerous awards include a Grammy. He was also knighted for his achievements.

 22 
Lianne La Havas
(British Record Producer and Singer-Songwriter)
Lianne La Havas
3
Birthdate: August 23, 1989
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: London

Lianne La Havas is a British record producer and singer-songwriter. Apart from releasing award-winning albums like Lianne La Havas and Is Your Love Big Enough, La Havas also headlines concert tours. Her work has received nominations for the prestigious Grammy Awards and Brit Awards.

 23 
Bat for Lashes
(British Multi-instrumentalist, Singer, and Songwriter)
Bat for Lashes
3
Birthdate: October 25, 1979
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Brighton

Bat for Lashes is a British multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter. She is best known for releasing albums like Fur and Gold, The Haunted Man, and Lost Girls. Bat for Lashes is the recipient of an ASCAP Award, Ivor Novello Awards, and UK Asian Music Award.

 24 
Henry Jackman
(English Composer, Conductor and Arranger)
Henry Jackman
3
Birthdate: 1974 AD
Birthplace: Hillingdon, London, England
 25 
Ruth Roche, Baroness Fermoy
(English Pianist and the Maternal Grandmother of Princess Diana)
Ruth Roche, Baroness Fermoy
2
Birthdate: October 2, 1908
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Bieldside
Died: July 6, 1993

Best known as Princess Diana’s maternal grandmother, Ruth Roche, Baroness Fermoy was also a talented concert pianist. She was also a close associate of Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Her contribution to music included the launch of the King's Lynn Festival, which was patronized by The Queen Mother.

 26 
Neil Innes
(Comedic Performer Known for Helping to Create the Avant-Garde Comedy Musical Group 'Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah' Band)
Neil Innes
2
Birthdate: December 9, 1944
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Danbury, Essex, England
Died: December 29, 2019

The son of a British Army officer, comedian and musician Neil Innes had begun training in the piano and the guitar since childhood. Part of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah band, he wrote the hit single I’m the Urban Spaceman. He is also remembered for his collaboration with the Monty Python team.

 27 
Georgie Fame
(English Jazz and R&B Musician)
Georgie Fame
2
Birthdate: June 26, 1943
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Leigh

Georgie Fame is an English jazz and R&B musician. Fame, who started his career in the 1960s, is still going strong and often works with contemporaries like Bill Wyman, Van Morrison, and Alan Price. He is perhaps best known for his association with the British rhythm and blues group, Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames.

 28 
Russ Ballard
(English Musician and Lead Singer of the Rock Band 'Argent')
Russ Ballard
2
Birthdate: October 31, 1945
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Waltham Cross

Russ Ballard is an English musician, singer, and songwriter. He came into prominence when he became part of the rock band Argent, where he performed as the guitarist and lead singer. As a songwriter, Russ Ballard is credited with writing hit songs like So You Win Again, Since You Been Gone, and Liar.

 29 
Sister Bliss
(British Keyboardist, DJ, and a Former Member of Faithless)
Sister Bliss
2
Birthdate: December 30, 1970
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: London

British keyboardist Ayalah Deborah Bentovim, better known as Sister Bliss, is one of Britain’s most successful electronica musicians. Starting her career as a pioneering British DJ, she later established the band Faithless. She has also composed for films such as The Beach and Sex and the City 2.

 30 
Stephen Hough
(Pianist)
Stephen Hough
1
Birthdate: November 22, 1961
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Heswall, England
 31 
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
(Legendary British Composer and Conductor)
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
2
Birthdate: August 15, 1875
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: London, England
Died: September 1, 1912

Known as the African Mahler for his bi-racial ethnicity, British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor ruled the music scene of the early 20th century. Throughout his illustrious career, he taught music, judged contests, and created many choral and orchestral works. He was best known for the Longfellow trilogy, based on The Song of Hiawatha.

 32 
Gabrielle Aplin
(British Singer and Songwriter)
Gabrielle Aplin
2
Birthdate: October 10, 1992
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Sutton Benger

Gabrielle Aplin is a British singer and songwriter. After achieving popularity as a YouTuber, Aplin signed a deal with Parlophone in 2012. Subsequently, Gabrielle Aplin released her debut album English Rain, which debuted at the second position on the UK Album Chart. The album has since sold more than 100,000 copies and has been certified Gold in the UK.

 33 
Rod Argent
(Musician)
Rod Argent
0
Birthdate: June 14, 1945
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: St Albans, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom
 34 
Myra Hess
(Pianist)
Myra Hess
1
Birthdate: February 25, 1890
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: London, England
Died: November 25, 1965
 35 
Michael Nyman
(English Pianist, Musicologist, Librettist, Filmmaker, and Composer of Minimalist Music)
Michael Nyman
2
Birthdate: March 23, 1944
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Stratford, London, United Kingdom

Michael Nyman is an English pianist, musicologist, librettist, filmmaker, and composer of minimalist music. He is best known for scoring music for several films directed by Peter Greenaway during the 1980s. Michael Nyman is also credited with writing numerous operas, such as Letters, Riddles and Writs, Facing Goya, and Noises, Sounds & Sweet Airs. 

 36 
James Dean Bradfield
(English Singer-Songwriter, Guitarist, and the Lead Vocalist of 'Manic Street Preachers')
James Dean Bradfield
2
Birthdate: February 21, 1969
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Pontypool

Best known as the lead singer and guitarist of the Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers, James Dean Bradfield is also known for his solo singles such as An English Gentleman. He has also collaborated with the likes of Tom Jones and Patrick Jones. He is married to the band’s PR agent, Mylène Halsall.

 37 
Jona Lewie
(British Singer, Songwriter, and Multi-instrumentalist)
Jona Lewie
2
Birthdate: March 14, 1947
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Southampton

Jona Lewie is a British singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known for his 1980 hits, Stop the Cavalry and You'll Always Find Me in the Kitchen at Parties. Jona Lewie is also known for his albums, Alias Jona Lewie, Heart Skips Beat, and Optimistic. 

 38 
Phil Coulter
(Irish Singer-Songwriter Known for His Partnership with Songwriter Bill Martin)
Phil Coulter
2
Birthdate: February 19, 1942
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Derry

A legend of Celtic music, Phil Coulter was the best-selling Irish music artist of his time. Starting his career as a songwriter for various artists, he later teamed up with songwriter Bill Martin to write hits such as Puppet on a String. He also penned a theme for the Irish rugby team.

 39 
Tony Hatch
(English Composer, Pianist, Arranger, Songwriter, and Producer)
Tony Hatch
2
Birthdate: June 30, 1939
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Pinner, Middlesex, England

Tony Hatch is an English composer best known for composing music for television and musical theatre. He also works as a pianist, arranger, songwriter, and producer. Some of his best known works include compositions for TV series like The Doctors, Emmerdale Farm, and Neighbours. In 2013, Tony Hatch was made an inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

 40 
George Shearing
(Pianist)
George Shearing
2
Birthdate: August 13, 1919
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: London, England
Died: February 14, 2011
 41 
Ian Stanley
(British Musician Who Was One of the Important Members of the Pop Rock Band 'Tears for Fears')
Ian Stanley
2
Birthdate: February 28, 1957
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bath

Ian Stanley is a British musician, record producer, and songwriter. He is best known for his association with the pop rock band Tears for Fears, where he was one of the most important members during the 1980s. Ian Stanley played a key role in the creation of the band's successful album Songs from the Big Chair.

 42 
Little Boots
(English Electropop Singer-Songwriter)
Little Boots
2
Birthdate: May 4, 1984
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Blackpool, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom
Height: 5'0" (152 cm)
 43 
Mike Barson
(Musician, Pianist)
Mike Barson
2
Birthdate: April 21, 1958
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Edinburgh
 44 
Brian Auger
(Pianist, Jazz musician, Record producer, Composer)
Brian Auger
2
Birthdate: July 18, 1939
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: London
 45 
Russ Conway
(Musician, Pianist, Songwriter)
Russ Conway
2
Birthdate: September 2, 1925
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Bristol
Died: November 16, 2000
 46 
Chris Stainton
(English Session Musician, Keyboard Player and Songwriter)
Chris Stainton
2
Birthdate: March 22, 1944
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Sheffield, England, United Kingdom
 47 
Thomas Adès
(Composer, Pianist, Conductor, Music educator)
Thomas Adès
2
Birthdate: March 1, 1971
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: London, England
 48 
Patrick Wolf
(Singer-songwriter)
Patrick Wolf
2
Birthdate: June 30, 1983
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: London, England
 49 
Winifred Atwell
Winifred Atwell
2
 50 
Peter Skellern
(Singer-songwriter, Pianist)
Peter Skellern
0
Birthdate: March 14, 1947
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bury, Lancashire, England
Died: February 17, 2017