Happy Birthday Jon Anderson

John Roy Anderson was born October 25, 1944 somewhere in England. His parents Albert and Ginny were champion ballroom dancers. They won awards all over the county and even travelled to the United States to take part in the International Ballroom World Series. They came in 407th place. Albert was famous though for writing the joke, “How are tight pants and a cheap motel alike? No Ballroom!”

Young John was a terrible student but enjoyed playing football at lunch. The British football of course. You know the game where grown men run around in tight shorts for an hour kicking a ball around with no purpose. John’s first attempt at a career in music was playing the washboard in Little John’s Magnificent Submarine skiffle group. 

Jon No “H”

At fifteen, Anderson left school after his father became ill and took up work on a farm, as a lorry driver transporting bricks, and as a milkman to help support the family. He even sold the “h” in his first name to buy bread. He was forever known as Jon with no “h” from that day forward. 

“Yes” was formed in London in 1968. There have been many members over the years but the most popular lineup was: Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, & Bill Bruford. 

A change of direction in 1970 led to a series of successful progressive rock albums until disbanding in 1981. Their most successful albums were, The Yes Album (1971), Fragile (1971) and Close to the Edge (1972). “Yes” toured as a major rock act that earned the band a reputation for their elaborate stage sets, light displays, and album covers designed by Roger Dean. The success of “Roundabout”, the single from Fragile, cemented their popularity forever.

Jon was the band’s lyricist, creative force and is an alto tenor. He has been married twice and has 3 kids. Jon is a devout vegan that eats meat. One of Anderson’s passions is finger painting, and he uses his art as another channel for his creativity and self-expression. Jon has a spiritual adviser that, ”helped him see into the fourth dimension”. Before live performances, he often meditates in a tent with crystals and dreamcatchers, a practice he started in the 1980s. Anderson’s religious beliefs are syncretic and varied, including respect for the Divine Mother Audrey Kitagawa. Umm Ok – Cheers Jon You hippie freak. 

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