Trevor Rabin

Early Life

Trevor Charles Rabin was born on January 13, 1954, in Johannesburg, South Africa, into a musically inclined family. His mother, Joy, was a classical pianist and his father, Godfrey, was a lawyer and conductor, leading the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. Growing up in a household that valued music, Rabin began piano lessons at age six and later taught himself guitar. He formed his first band, Conglomeration, and later joined Freedom's Children, where he wrote the song "State of Fear".

Career

Rabin's professional journey began in 1972 when he co-founded the rock band Rabbitt, which gained popularity in South Africa. Their debut album, "Boys Will Be Boys," released in 1975, earned Rabin an award for his orchestral arrangements. He continued to achieve success with Rabbitt, winning multiple SARI Awards. In 1983, he joined the progressive rock band Yes, where he contributed to their iconic sound until 1995. Rabin is also renowned for his film scoring work, composing music for blockbuster films such as "Con Air," "Armageddon," and "National Treasure." His versatility as a multi-instrumentalist and producer has allowed him to perform most instrumental parts on his own recordings.

Personal Life

Trevor Rabin has been married to Shelley May since 1978, and they have one son, Ryan, who is also involved in music as a drummer and producer. The family moved to Hollywood in 1984, and Rabin has expressed a deep connection to his South African roots, despite living in the U.S. He became a naturalized citizen in 1991 and has been vocal about his opposition to apartheid during his career.

Legacy

Rabin's contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards, including eleven Broadcast Music Incorporated film score awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Temecula Valley International Film Festival. In 2017, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Yes, celebrating his lasting impact on the music industry.