Yes

United Kingdom, 1968–now

English progressive rock band formed in 1968, with Jon Anderson's high vocals, Chris Squire's melodic bass and Steve Howe's guitar. Close to the Edge is built from long, sectional compositions.

MusicRoots documents 3 artists who influenced Yes and 2 artists Yes influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Yes?

• The Beatles — Anderson has named the Beatles the band's melodic foundation — Yes began as a covers act reworking Beatles songs.
• Simon & Garfunkel — Yes's breakthrough recording was a maximalist cover of Simon & Garfunkel's 'America' — an official act of homage.
• Igor Stravinsky — For decades every Yes concert has opened with a tape of Stravinsky's Firebird finale — the band's declared classical banner.

Which artists did Yes influence?

• Rush — Geddy Lee has named Chris Squire the single biggest influence on his bass playing — Yes's arrangements were Rush's prog gateway.
• Chicago — Robert Lamm named Yes among the acts that particularly influenced Chicago's ambitious, arrangement-heavy rock.