Jon Anderson of prog-rock legends Yes talks about four decades of (prog) rock ‘n roll

Jon Anderson of prog-rock legends Yes talks about four decades of (prog) rock ‘n roll

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.
Jon Anderson in 1994. (AP/File)

More than 40 years ago, musician and singer Jon Anderson set out on a musical journey.  His tenor voice became the distinct sonic calling card of prog-rock legends, Yes — off and on, spending some three and a half decades with the classic rockers.

Yes wasn’t Anderson’s only musical outlet.  Throughout his career, he’s been equally prolific outside of that band, with numerous solo albums, side-projects and other collaborations.  He’s quit Yes a few times over the past 4 decades, and his latest departure happened back in 2010.

Yes and Anderson still forge ahead, though on separate paths.  Anderson joins us on Tuesday’s Afternoon Shift to talk about his voice, his career, and life in and out of the band Yes.

Anderson performs Wednesday night at Mayne Stage in Chicago, and Friday at Viper Alley in Lincolnshire.