Classical roots

Hmm. Which rock/pop/etc musicians have some deep classical training? Off the top of my head:

Alicia Keys (piano)
Jonny Greenwood, of Radiohead (viola)
Sheryl Crow (piano)
Tori Amos (piano)
Annie Lennox (former student at the Royal Academy of Music)
Joe Jackson (ditto)
Andrew Bird (violin)
Pat Benatar (opera voice training)
Eddie Van Halen (piano!)
Bo Diddley (guitar)

Does it matter? Maybe not.

hey Fred-

You forgot Sting I think. Or was it jazz? Oh well. I know both Robert Fripp and Andy Summers played classical guitar. Kenny kirkland could play a mean Brahms, but he's jazz. Does that matter? Nay.

What do these performers need to prove is my question? The reality is that most pop-rock folks probably do a pretty good job at mid-level repertoire, but a concerto performance will not be forthcoming.

Similarly, most classical musicians could not "rock" their way out a paper bag. You would think with all those "classical chops" that rocking out would be a cinch. Nope.

Every style has its own demands (and chops).

Besides, O 'Riley sounds like he's enjoying being a whistle blower. A bit of guilt about the Radiohead CDs, perhaps? I hope not. Those are great.

Jim

Elton John studied at Royal Academy, London.