• Jon Anderson Album

Born on October 25, 1944, in Lancashire, England, would grow up to become one of the most recognizable voices in progressive rock. He began his musical career by joining his brother 's group. Eventually, that band relocated from England to Germany, but had left the group by then. So, the only still in the band by 1965 when they cut their first single was (technically still at that time).

The single received a less than enthusiastic welcome and left the group in 1967, having put in five years with them. His next move was to the group, but that one was quite short-lived. By 1968, had returned to England and recorded two singles under the moniker. Those received responses similar to what ' single had. Found his way into the group, but only stayed there for a couple of months.

The year was 1968 and musical history was about to be made with an introduction in a London club. Was introduced to, and finding a kindred spirit in music, he began showing up at gigs of 's band, whose guitarist at the time was. Started getting up and singing with the group from time to time, eventually becoming their vocalist.

However, had left by the time was inducted. More pieces gradually began to fall into the mix as various musicians were brought into the fold.

By the time returned, the band had decided to change their name to. They released their first two albums in 1969 and 1970, and both received good critical response, but didn't gain a large commercial or radio presence. By the time that they recorded 1970's, the band had replaced with and the combination, along with a stroke of luck at a U.S. Radio station, proved the charm that started their commercial career. Interestingly, found the time for side projects even amidst recording and touring with. In fact, he would show up on two albums in the first two years of the decade.

The first was 's and the other was '. The next album, 1972's, would feature both the debut of new keyboardist and the single 'Roundabout.' The combination propelled the group and well into the spotlight. For the next couple of years, occupied the majority of 's time.

With the recording of three more studio albums before 1974 and steady touring, he would have little time for much else. However, after the tour for, things began to settle down a bit. Managed to work with, who had been ' first choice for 's replacement. Although immigration issues forced the band to go with instead, added vocals to the keyboardist's album released in 1975. It would definitely not be the last time they would work together. 1976 saw the entire band taking time to record solo albums.

's outing, was an ambitious creation. It was an album-long concept piece with nearly all the writing and performances being undertaken by the singer himself. He also added vocals to drummer 's album.

The break seemed to revitalize the band and their next release, featuring the return of, was a very strong album and ushered the band into 1977 with style. 's role in the group was close to coming to an end for a time, though.

Jon Anderson Album

He stuck with them through the next album and couple of tours, but when they began recording for the follow up to, the dreaded 'musical differences' cropped up and left. He definitely did not become idle, though. Indeed, the next couple of years proved very fertile for him.

He released his second solo album, in 1980. That same year, he collaborated again with. This time they recorded an entire album together and released it under the moniker. The album was called, and they enjoyed that work so much that before the end of 1981, they released two more albums together. 1981 also saw appearing on 's album. His next solo release was 1982's, a show he took on the road.

1983 would be another turning point for. He worked on 's album, but that would not be the decisive factor in his career. By that time, had been broken up for almost three years. And were working with a young guitarist named on a project called Cinema.

Had also been enlisted for the project. Producer and one-time replacement suggested that should add some vocals to the project. Upon agreeing.

Remarked that with his voice on the songs it would be. The group agreed and the name Cinema was dropped in favor of.

The resulting album, propelled by the hit single 'Owner of a Lonely Heart,' saw the band receive more success than they had ever previously attained. A tour ensued, but then the band had some quiet time. Took the opportunity to record another solo album, this time a collection of holiday songs, entitled.

He also managed to work on a few other projects including movie soundtracks with. The next album and tour in 1987 saw those musical differences once again appearing and again left. In the time following his second departure from the group, he released another solo album, this one a rather poppy collection entitled. He also guested on 's release. By that time, he had begun talking with several alumni about working together again.

The group of them, and were joined by and completed an album. The only problem was deciding what to call the group. They had wanted to name it, but proved ownership of that name and was not going to let them use it. So, they chose to forego cleverness and work with their last names. Thus their album was a self-titled one called. The group toured fairly extensively for the release, but still wound up finding the time to contribute vocals to ' album.

Another odd turn of events was looming on the horizon, though. As were working on their second release, was in the process of recording their next album.

Lines of communication were once again opened and both projects were combined into one album, dubbed. The group toured for the album to both filled stadiums and rave reviews. Still found time to get together with again and release the next album, in 1991. The following year, he worked on 's album.

Among other projects, would do another album with and two solo albums ( and ) before the 1994 release of the next album,. The lineup on that disc was back to a five-piece, and having gone their separate ways.

The next couple of years were quiet ones for, but not for. He made guest appearances on a few projects and released two new solo albums.

And big things were once again on the horizon for. It was announced in late 1995 that and were no longer part of the group. They were replaced by alums. A classic lineup and incredible fan enthusiasm surrounded both the band. The group did three shows in San Luis Obispo in March of 1996. The shows were recorded and released along with new studio material as the two albums. 1997 saw quite a bit more activity from.

He released two solo albums, the Celtic. Also released an album featuring his vocals. The disc was called and in true tradition of revolving door membership, it did not feature, who had already left. Went along with the group on a tour of small intimate theaters that fall. In 1998, he released his next solo album,. That same year saw several releases featuring his vocal talents. Among them was 's album, ', and 's.

Touring and working on the album have kept pretty busy, but he found time to appear on ' 2000 release. Toured off and on with until 2008 when he left due to health concerns. He re-emerged in 2011 with the solo album and in collaboration with.

In 2012, he began collaborating with violinist, resulting in the 's, comprised mostly of new readings of material. A year earlier, at the instigation of InsideOut Music label boss, began working with / guitarist. They were asked to consider recording a series of suite-like tunes that would echo what accomplished on and 's own, albeit with a modern prog bent. After trading ideas back and forth on the internet for months, live sessions were initiated in March of 2015 with a full band and backing vocalists., billed to, consisted of four long tracks. It was released by Inside/Out in June of 2016.