The track Owner of a Lonely Heart, a US number one single, propelled the progressive rock band Yes to unprecedented commercial success in 1983, driven by the compositional input of Johannesburg-born guitarist Trevor Rabin. His arrival marked a significant stylistic departure for the group, integrating pop sensibilities into their established sound after he relocated to Los Angeles.
Early Development and South African Success
Born in 1954, Rabin received early musical training on the piano before teaching himself guitar at twelve. He attended Parktown Boys' High School and studied arrangement and orchestration under Walter Mony. In 1972, he formed the rock group Rabbitt. The band gained national popularity, releasing albums such as Boys Will Be Boys and A Croak and a Grunt in the Night. During this period, Rabin developed his expertise in production and orchestral arrangement, receiving South African Recording Industry awards for his contributions.
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After leaving Rabbitt in 1978, Rabin moved to London to expand his professional reach. He released his initial solo albums, Beginnings, Face to Face, and Wolf, between 1977 and 1981. These projects allowed him to refine his skills as a multi-instrumentalist and producer. Upon moving to Los Angeles in 1981, he joined Yes. His demos formed the foundation of the 90125 album, which remains the band's highest-selling release. He continued his tenure with Yes through various lineups, including the Union tour and the recording of Talk in 1994.
Film Scoring and Later Works
Rabin transitioned to a career in film composition in 1995. He has since composed scores for over forty feature films, notably collaborating with producer Jerry Bruckheimer on projects including Con Air, Armageddon, Remember the Titans, and National Treasure. Beyond cinema, he composed themes for NBA on TNT and MLB on TBS. He released the instrumental album Jacaranda in 2012 and Rio in 2023. In 2016, he reunited with former bandmates for the Yes Featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman tour, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
Fast facts
- Born: 1954, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Primary instruments: Guitar, piano, keyboards, bass
- Citizenship: United States, South Africa
- Band memberships: Rabbitt, Yes, Anderson Rabin and Wakeman
- Film credits include: Con Air, Armageddon, Remember the Titans
- Education: Parktown Boys' High School
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction: 2017
- Religion: Judaism
Questions readers ask
Was Trevor Rabin a member of Yes?
Yes, he was a member of the band from 1983 to 1995 and later participated in the Yes Featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman tour.
What is Trevor Rabin's primary contribution to film?
He is a prolific film score composer who has scored over forty feature films, including major collaborations with producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
Achievements
- Educated at Parktown Boys' High School
- Worked as composer, guitarist and film score composer
