Guy Babylon | |
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Background information | |
Born |
New Windsor, Maryland |
December 20, 1956
Died | September 2, 2009 | (aged 52)
Occupation(s) | Keyboardist, composer |
Instruments | Keyboards |
Years active | 1988-2009 |
Associated acts | Elton John, Warpipes |
Guy Babylon (December 20, 1956 – September 2, 2009) was a keyboardist/composer, most noted for his work with Elton John.
Babylon was born in New Windsor, Maryland. He attended Francis Scott Key High School before moving on to the University of South Florida where he earned a BFA in music composition. Upon graduation, he moved to Los Angeles, California. In 1988, he joined Elton John's studio and touring band, appearing on the album Sleeping with the Past. In 1990, he performed with the group Warpipes, a side project of fellow Elton John member Davey Johnstone. Guy performed and recorded with several artists such as Mike Pinera, Iron Butterfly, Blues Image, Luis Cardenas and Renegade.
Guy Babylon also arranged many Elton John introductions, including those used in "Bennie and the Jets" and "Pinball Wizard". In 2001, Babylon won a Grammy Award for his contributions on the Elton John / Tim Rice musical Aida. Babylon also worked extensively on the Elton John / Bernie Taupin musical Lestat, (based on the Anne Rice novels). Until his death, he lived in Los Angeles with his wife and children, and was a member of Elton John's six-member touring and recording band. He died of a heart attack on September 2, 2009, after swimming in a pool.