Alan White was best known for his nearly 50-year tenure as the drummer for the progressive rock band Yes.
White was married for over 40 years to his wife Gigi and had two children, Jesse and Cassi.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 as a member of Yes.
Biography
Early Life and Career
Alan White was born on June 14, 1949, in England and became renowned as a rock drummer, most notably for his nearly 50-year tenure with the progressive rock band Yes. He joined Yes in 1972, stepping in as the replacement for original drummer Bill Bruford. White quickly established himself as the longest-serving member of the band, contributing to their distinctive sound and success until his passing in 2022.
Musical Contributions
Throughout his career, White was involved in various notable projects, including albums like "Ramshackled" and "Levin Torn White." He also recorded singles such as "Run With the Fox." His drumming prowess was recognized not only in Yes but also as part of John Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band, where he played on the iconic album "Imagine." White's contributions to music earned him several accolades, including multiple NME Awards and a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 1985.
Personal Life and Legacy
Alan White was married for over 40 years to his wife Gigi, and they raised two children, Jesse and Cassi, in Newcastle, Washington. He was known for his close friendships within the music community, serving as the best man at Jon Anderson's wedding in 1997. Tragically, White passed away at his home in Seattle on May 26, 2022, following a brief illness. His legacy continues to resonate, highlighted by a tribute concert held in his honor featuring members of Yes and other musicians, celebrating his significant impact on rock music.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
Levin Torn White2011
Tracklist not collected yet.
Ramshackled1976
Tracklist not collected yet.
Run With the Fox1981
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Label
- Record label
- Atlantic Records
Groups
- Cinemacurrent
- The Bluechipsdrums (drum set)current
- Plastic Ono Banddrums (drum set) · 1969–1971
- Yesdrums (drum set) · 1972–2022
- XYZ1981–1981
- Whitedrums (drum set), original · 2003–2022
- Circa:2008
Played together with
Benoît DavidYes · 2008–2012 · lead vocals
Bill BrufordYes · 1968–1972 · drums (drum set), original
Bill BrufordYes · 1991–1992 · drums (drum set)
Billy SherwoodCirca:
Billy SherwoodYes · 1997–2000
Chris SquireCinema
Chris SquireXYZ · 1981–1981
Chris SquireYes · 1968–2015 · bass guitar, original
Eric ClaptonPlastic Ono Band · 1969–1969 · electric guitar
Geoff DownesYes · 1980–1981
Geoff DownesYes · 2011Igor KhoroshevYes · 1998–2000
Similar artists
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Alan White was an English drummer, best known for his almost 50-year tenure in the progressive rock band Yes. He joined Yes in 1972 as a replacement for original drummer Bill Bruford. He was the longest-serving member of the band, and one of just two members whose tenure ceased only with his death.
All links
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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