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Mark Rivera
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Mark Rivera
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Key Information

Mark Rivera (born May 24, 1953) is an American saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and musical director who is mostly known for his work with Billy Joel. In addition to playing soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone, Rivera's musical abilities include vocals, guitar, bass, flute, percussion, hammer and chromium steel pipe, and keyboards.

Early life

[edit]

Mark Rivera was born in Brooklyn, New York, and attended the High School of Performing Arts in Manhattan. His mother is American and his father is a Puerto Rican American.

Career

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Rivera's first national exposure came with the band Tycoon in the mid-1970s. From this venture he met the legendary producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange. Lange, as part of an association with Mick Jones and Lou Gramm of Foreigner, introduced Rivera to the "big leagues" of rock music, recording and performing.

Over the years, Rivera has worked with Hall & Oates, Peter Gabriel on his groundbreaking So album (where Rivera played on "Sledgehammer" and "Big Time"), Simon & Garfunkel, John Lennon, Billy Ocean, and Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh.

Rivera has played with Billy Joel and his band since 1982, replacing Richie Cannata.

In 1995, Rivera joined Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, with which he would continue for several tours.

Rivera live with Billy Joel in 2008

In 2014, Rivera released his first solo album, Common Bond,[1][2] which includes appearances by Joel, Starr, Nils Lofgren and Steve Lukather.[3] The song "Money Money Money" was a finalist for 2014's Coolest Song in the World on Little Steven's Underground Garage.[4][5]

In February 2023, Rivera released his autobiography, Sideman: In Pursuit of the Next Gig.[6]

Musical director

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Rivera's work as a musical director has gained recognition from his association with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, Billy Joel, and Elton John. In 2007, he was musical director for "Dear Mr. Fantasy: A Celebration for Jim Capaldi" featuring Steve Winwood, Joe Walsh, Paul Weller, Pete Townshend and Jon Lord.[7] He also developed a career in promoting and producing events.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mark Rivera

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Mark Rivera (born May 24, 1953) is an American multi-instrumentalist, saxophonist, , musical director, and , renowned for his extensive career as a and collaborator with major rock artists. Born and raised in , New York, Rivera is the son of a Puerto Rican American father and an American mother. He attended the in , often referred to as the "Fame School," where he honed his musical talents on and other instruments. Rivera's professional career began in the 1970s, initially as the lead singer of Eclipse and playing baritone for acts like . He gained early prominence by backing during 1975 television performances and contributing to recordings such as Paul Simon's (1983). In 1980, Rivera joined the rock band Foreigner for a 16-month tour and contributed and arrangements to their platinum-certified 4 (1981), including hits like "Urgent," "," and "Waiting for a Girl Like You." Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Rivera became a staple in the music industry as a versatile performer, notably arranging the for Peter Gabriel's "" (1986) and touring with artists including on three occasions, from 1989 to 1991, , and . His most enduring role started in the early 1980s as Billy Joel's primary saxophonist and , a position he has held for over 42 years, appearing on numerous tours and recordings. Since 1995, Rivera has served as musical director for Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band for more than 30 years, also performing with and other associates. In addition to his performing career, Rivera has engaged in , supporting organizations like Give An Hour and the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, and he performs an annual tribute concert for firefighters and police on September 11. He chronicled his experiences as a in the Sideman: In Pursuit of the Next Gig, published on February 7, 2023, which details his journeys with Joel, Starr, and others while balancing family life. Rivera continues to tour actively and maintains a presence as a corporate entertainment provider and event coordinator.

Early life

Family background

Mark Rivera was born on May 24, 1953, in , New York. His father, Bob Rivera, was Puerto Rican American, while his mother was American, blending cultural influences from Puerto Rican traditions—such as , stories, and family gatherings—with mainstream American experiences. This heritage exposed him early to Latin rhythms through his father's Spanish guitar, which Rivera began playing at around age seven. Raised in a Brooklyn apartment amid the borough's vibrant, diverse soundscape, Rivera grew up immersed in a mix of genres including soulful street music, , and emerging rock. Family members played a key role in nurturing this environment; his uncle Vinny recognized Rivera's perfect pitch at age nine while he sang along to songs during viewings of and began teaching him the shortly after. Local scenes further shaped his ear, with influences from jazz icons like and emphasizing emotional improvisation, alongside rock acts such as and . Rivera's initial musical sparks ignited through these home and neighborhood experiences, where he practiced in apartment hallways and joined the Borough-Wide Band as a teenager for structured weekend sessions. By age six or seven, he was already singing in school , showing an early serious engagement with music that his parents encouraged with their energetic support. This foundation led him to pursue formal training at the in .

Education

Mark Rivera, influenced by his family's musical heritage—his father sang with Latin bands and played guitar—pursued formal training to develop his talents. Born and raised in , New York, he attended the prestigious in , known as the "Fame School," during the late . Rivera had begun studying at age 8, continuing this training through elementary and junior high school before entering the high school's rigorous curriculum, which emphasized intensive practice and performance on multiple instruments including , , and percussion. The program's demanding structure, including ensemble work and solo development, cultivated his skills as a versatile , preparing him for professional demands through daily rehearsals and stage experience. He departed the school two weeks shy of graduation in 1971 at age 18, with his mother retrieving his diploma in 1974. Immediately after leaving high school, Rivera engaged in 's local music scenes, performing with emerging bands and honing his craft in community ensembles like the Brooklyn Borough-Wide Band.

Career beginnings

Early musical influences

Mark Rivera's early musical influences were deeply rooted in the diverse sounds of New York City, where he grew up in amid a rich tapestry of , rock, and Latin rhythms. Exposure to legends such as and profoundly shaped his saxophone technique, emphasizing improvisational depth and expressive phrasing that became hallmarks of his playing style. The burgeoning rock scene also left an indelible mark, particularly through , whose innovative songwriting and energy captivated young Rivera and broadened his interest in melody and harmony across genres. Similarly, the vibrant of the era, exemplified by Tito Puente's percussive flair and fusion of Afro-Cuban elements with , influenced his rhythmic sensibility and appreciation for multicultural sounds reflective of his Puerto Rican heritage. Local Brooklyn club scenes and radio broadcasts further expanded his versatility, immersing him in live performances and airwave discoveries that highlighted the , , and percussion as interconnected instruments in , rock, and Latin contexts. These experiences fostered a genre-blending approach, encouraging Rivera to explore beyond traditional boundaries. Through self-taught experimentation and participation in informal sessions in his neighborhood, Rivera honed his multi-instrumentalist abilities, developing the technical proficiency and adaptability that defined his early artistic growth. His formal training at the later reinforced these foundational influences.

First professional gigs

Mark Rivera's entry into professional music occurred in the early 1970s, when he began performing in clubs as a saxophonist, navigating the competitive local scene that demanded versatility across genres like and rock. These gigs often involved supporting emerging local artists through session work, where he built initial credits by providing horn sections and live backing in intimate venues. After graduating from high school, Rivera became the lead singer of the band (1971–1972), formed by trumpeter Mike Lawrence and featuring musicians such as Tom Malone, Bruce and Tom Fowler, and . His early exposure also included a brief stint at the studio, where janitorial duties led to opportunities like backing during a 1975 television performance of "Imagine," marking one of his first high-profile session contributions. In the mid-1970s, Rivera achieved his first national recognition by joining the rock band Tycoon as saxophonist and vocalist, a group that toured extensively and recorded material blending AOR and rock elements. The band's signing to under provided broader exposure, culminating in their self-titled debut released in 1979, produced by Robert John "Mutt" , which featured Rivera's prominent horn arrangements on tracks like "Run Run Run." These efforts included opening slots for up-and-coming acts during regional tours, helping establish his reputation beyond New York. In the early to mid-1970s, Rivera toured with established soul acts, including joining Sam & Dave's band from 1972 to 1974, where he handled duties on the road and contributed to their revival performances of hits like "Soul Man." This period highlighted the rigors of the club and touring circuit, characterized by financial instability, long hours, and the constant hustle of networking with producers and musicians in an era before widespread fame offered security. Rivera's style during these gigs drew briefly from his and rock influences, emphasizing energetic, improvisational lines suited to live and rock settings.

Major collaborations

Session and touring work

In the mid-1980s, Mark Rivera contributed parts to Peter Gabriel's album So (1986), including the prominent on the hit single "," as well as processed on "" and multiple lines (alto, tenor, and baritone) on "Big Time." Rivera also recorded with and Eagles guitarist in the 1980s, showcasing his skills as a versatile studio musician. Building on his early experiences with the band Tycoon in the 1970s, Rivera increasingly took on touring roles in the , performing with on three separate tours starting in 1983, including their reunion efforts following the 1981 . He further demonstrated his multi-instrumental range—encompassing , guitar, bass, flute, and percussion—during recordings and live performances with from 1989 to 1991, where he handled both studio sessions and road duties. This era marked Rivera's shift from sporadic session gigs to more stable touring commitments, allowing him to adapt across genres and instrumentation while supporting high-profile acts.

Association with Billy Joel

Mark Rivera joined 's band in 1982 as saxophonist and backing vocalist, replacing and debuting on the tour supporting the album The Nylon Curtain. His prior session work with artists such as Foreigner helped build the reputation that led to this opportunity. Rivera contributed saxophone, percussion, and additional vocals to subsequent studio albums, including An Innocent Man (1983) and The Bridge (1986), while participating in extensive worldwide tours that showcased Joel's catalog. Throughout his tenure, Rivera has performed at major venues across and internationally, including historic shows in the in 1987 and the River of Dreams Tour in 1994. He was a key member during Billy Joel's monthly residency at , which began in January 2014 and concluded in July 2024 after 150 performances, where his work added energy to sets featuring Joel's hits. Rivera's role evolved in the to encompass musical direction for Joel's live productions, alongside his ongoing performances on , guitar, keyboards, and vocals. He is particularly noted for his contributions to live arrangements of "," delivering emotive solos that have become staples in Joel's concerts, including multiple MSG renditions. As of 2025, their collaboration exceeds 40 years, making Rivera one of the longest-serving members of Joel's band.

Involvement with Ringo Starr

Mark Rivera joined & His All-Starr Band in 1995 as a , providing , vocals, percussion, guitar, and additional support on keyboards and harmonica during live performances. His addition came at the invitation of Starr himself, marking the start of a long-term collaboration that has defined much of Rivera's touring career. This debut tour, the third iteration of the All-Starr Band, featured Rivera alongside artists such as and , emphasizing the band's rotating supergroup format where each member showcased their own hits. Rivera has contributed to nearly every All-Starr Band tour since 1995, spanning , , , and other regions, with the ensemble maintaining its tradition of high-energy, collaborative shows through 2025. Notable lineups have included on guitar and vocals in the 1997–1998 tours, where the band performed Frampton's classics like "Show Me the Way" alongside Starr's repertoire, and on keyboards, saxophone, and vocals in multiple outings from 2006 to 2024, highlighting tracks such as "." These configurations have allowed Rivera to share the stage with a diverse array of rock luminaries, fostering a dynamic live environment that rotates sets to feature each performer's material. Over nearly three decades, Rivera's performances have been integral to the All-Starr Band's signature format, delivering spirited renditions of Starr's Beatles-era songs, solo hits like "," and collaborative encores such as "With from My Friends," often joined by guest artists. His versatility on multiple instruments has helped sustain the band's joyful, hit-filled concerts, which prioritize audience engagement and musical camaraderie without a fixed setlist.

Musical direction

Role with Billy Joel

Mark Rivera has served as musical director for 's band since 1982, drawing on his long-term performing role as saxophonist and . As a veteran member, Rivera guided the ensemble through complex setlists, ensuring seamless integration of his , , percussion, and vocal contributions with the core band. His leadership helped maintain the high-energy dynamics of Joel's live performances, particularly in adapting studio recordings for stage delivery. Rivera's key decisions in live show adaptations included enhancing piano-driven songs with horn sections, adding depth and excitement to tracks like "New York State of Mind" and "Zanzibar" during Joel's extended residency from 2014 to 2024. These arrangements transformed intimate ballads into fuller, brass-infused spectacles suited for arena environments, while preserving Joel's signature piano focus. For smaller venues, Rivera scaled back horn elements to emphasize acoustic elements, demonstrating versatility in production choices that kept performances fresh across tour legs. In coordinating guest appearances and special events, Rivera facilitated tributes honoring figures like at MSG in 2023. Up to 2025, his efforts extended to one-off events, including educational workshops and charity performances where he bridged Joel's band with external artists for cohesive sets. These initiatives underscored Rivera's role in elevating special occasions beyond standard tours. Rivera's directorship significantly impacted Joel's touring consistency, enabling reliable adaptations between massive arenas like and more intimate settings, such as the 2023 co-headlining tour with . His oversight ensured the band's tight cohesion over decades, contributing to Joel's reputation for dynamic, unpredictable live shows that evolved without losing core identity.

Role with Ringo Starr

Mark Rivera has served as the musical director for 's All-Starr Band since the mid-1990s, initially joining as a performer in 1995 before assuming leadership responsibilities to handle setlists and ensure band cohesion across numerous tours. In this role, he crafts balanced setlists that incorporate Starr's solo hits, classics, and selections from each rotating member's catalog, creating a cohesive flow that highlights the ensemble's collective strengths while maintaining high energy. Rivera excels in arranging music for the band's frequently changing lineups, often comprising 11 or 12 members, by adapting compositions to integrate guest musicians seamlessly and preserve the group's signature spirit. This expertise has been crucial for tours spanning decades, including the All-Starr Band's 2025 fall itinerary, which featured residencies in and performances across the , demonstrating his ability to unify diverse talents under Starr's vision. His production contributions extend to live recordings and specials, such as the 2005 DVD Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band Live 2005, where he oversaw the capture of the band's dynamic performances to reflect their onstage chemistry. Rivera places particular emphasis on Starr's Beatles legacy in these productions, curating medleys and smooth transitions that honor the Fab Four's influence while spotlighting Starr's individual contributions to the repertoire.

Other directorial projects

In 2007, Rivera served as musical director for the tribute concert ": A Celebration for Jim Capaldi" held at the Roundhouse in , benefiting The and featuring performers such as , , , , and . The event honored the late co-founder and was later documented in a live album and DVD release. Rivera has provided musical direction for corporate entertainment events since the , curating customized performances and assembling ensembles for private and business functions, often drawing on his experience coordinating high-profile rock productions. Through his Mark Rivera Entertainment Group, he tailors live music experiences for clients ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate gatherings. Beyond these, Rivera has directed several charity concerts and one-off productions, including annual September 11th memorial performances for firefighters and police officers, events at Blythdale Children's Hospital alongside radio host over the past decade, and headlining benefits for the and the Marcum Foundation supporting . These projects, along with occasional rock revues such as community-based all-star ensembles up to 2025, leverage his expertise in assembling diverse musician lineups for impactful, non-recurring events.

Solo endeavors

Recordings

Mark Rivera's solo recording career began with the release of his debut album, Common Bond, on February 18, 2014, via Red River Entertainment. The album comprises ten tracks, including eight originals and covers of Jimi Hendrix's "Spanish Castle Magic" and ABBA's "Money, Money, Money," showcasing Rivera's songwriting and multi-instrumental talents on saxophone, flute, guitar, and vocals. Produced by Jimmy Bralower, known for his work with artists like and , Common Bond features arrangements that blend rock, pop, and elements, drawing from Rivera's extensive experience as a . The production emphasizes Rivera's soulful vocals and dynamic lines, with tracks like the upbeat "Sticky Situation" incorporating rhythmic grooves and layered instrumentation to create an eclectic, accessible sound. Notable collaborations on the album include providing Hammond B3 organ on "" and contributing drums to "Money, Money, Money," highlighting Rivera's ties to his longtime musical associates. Additional guests such as on guitar, Robert Randolph on pedal steel, and on guitar further enrich the recordings, adding depth to the rock-oriented tracks. Beyond his solo work, Rivera made guest appearances on other artists' recordings in the , providing on tracks that extended his reach. A representative example is his solo on "Sedona" from Motor Fist's 2020 album Lions, where his contributions added a bright, improvisational flair to the track. Following Common Bond, Rivera released several singles, including "Embargo" in 2024, and "Anomaly" and "The Vulture" in 2025. As of November 2025, he has not released any additional full-length solo s.

Memoir and writings

In February 2023, Mark Rivera published his memoir Sideman: In Pursuit of the Next Gig, co-authored with Mike Poncy and featuring a foreword by . The book chronicles his four-decade career as a , emphasizing the precarious nature of freelance musicianship in the rock industry, including financial instability as an independent contractor and the constant pursuit of steady work. Rivera highlights the demands of touring with and , such as arranging sets on the fly and navigating interpersonal dynamics within high-profile bands. Central to the memoir are reflections on the sideman's role, which Rivera portrays with optimism and humor, underscoring the pride in elevating artists like Joel and Starr while often remaining in the shadows. He delves into industry challenges, including the struggle to balance relentless touring with family life over nearly 40 years of marriage, and the resilience required during disruptions like the , which prompted deeper introspection on his path. Unique anecdotes reveal early hardships, such as working as a janitor while grinding through seven-night-a-week club gigs in 1970s , often performing in a literal monkey suit to make ends meet. Another standout encounter details his 1975 collaboration with at the studios, where he backed the former Beatle on his final live TV performance of "Imagine," capturing the thrill and intensity of an impromptu session with a music icon. The memoir received positive attention through promotional interviews and features in 2023, including discussions on Ultimate Classic Rock about the blue-collar ethos of and in magazine's "Artists in the Dark" series, which praised Rivera's candid insights into his collaborations. A 2023 segment highlighted the book's exploration of unsung roles in , drawing parallels to other backup professions. By 2024, Rivera continued promoting it via podcasts like the Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame series, where he reflected on its themes amid ongoing tours, sustaining interest in the sideman's enduring relevance. This literary work builds on his independent musical output, such as the solo album Common Bond (2014).

References

  1. https://www.yamaha.com/artists/markrivera.html
  2. https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-businessmen/producers/mark-rivera-net-worth/
  3. https://www.markrivera.com/biography/
  4. https://www.spin.com/2023/04/ringo-starr-i-got-lucky-when-mark-joined-the-band/
  5. https://abc7chicago.com/post/hispanic-heritage-month-2020-mark-rivera-puerto-rican-abc-7-chicago/6914766/
  6. https://news4sanantonio.com/news/entertainment/mark-rivera-reflects-on-the-unsung-heroism-of-a-sidemans-life-in-his-memoir-madison-square-garden-new-york-musician-ringo-starr-billy-joel-john-lennon-paul-mccartney-foreigner
  7. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/mark-rivera-saxophonist-interview-billy-joel-ringo-starr-1062542/
  8. https://www.yamaha.com/allaccess/artists/issue18-markcarl.asp?issue=issue18
  9. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-rivera-a5a13b8
  10. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/mark-rivera-sideman-interview/
  11. https://www.billyjoel.com/news/mark-rivera-selected-as-top-musician-entertainer-of-the-year-by-iaotp/
  12. https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=54470701&itype=CMSID
  13. https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2014/06/21/rivera-all-star-sideman-joel-starr/gg4MBImpkUF6YqHsTgeB2H/story.html
  14. https://www.discogs.com/release/379036-Peter-Gabriel-So
  15. https://www.goldminemag.com/news/goldmines-hall-fame-inductees-volume-80/
  16. https://www.discogs.com/master/43553-Billy-Joel-An-Innocent-Man
  17. https://www.sessiondays.com/2018/09/1986-billy-joel-the-bridge/
  18. https://www.bkmag.com/2024/07/26/greatest-gig-in-the-world-what-its-like-to-be-billy-joels-saxophonist-for-42-years/
  19. https://www.billboard.com/lists/billy-joel-residency-madison-square-garden-guests-milestones/
  20. http://www.victorbaissait.fr/RingoStarrAndHisAllStarrBand/Tour/1995.php
  21. https://www.ringostarr.com/about/
  22. https://www.americanbluesscene.com/2025/09/behind-the-scenes-with-ringo-starr-and-the-all-starr-band/
  23. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/ringo-starr-tour-united-states-fall-all-starr-band/
  24. https://www.yamaha.com/allaccess/artists/issue18-markcarl.asp
  25. https://www.billyjoel.com/band/
  26. https://www.jimcapaldi.com/box-sets/dear-mr-fantasy%253A-a-celebration-for-jim-capaldi
  27. https://www.bookingentertainment.com/artists/rock/mark_rivera.php
  28. https://www.markrivera.com/album/
  29. https://www.discogs.com/release/14142698-Mark-Rivera-Common-Bond
  30. https://store.acousticsounds.com/d/97901/Mark_Rivera-Common_Bond-Vinyl_Record
  31. https://www.billyjoel.com/news/mark-rivera-album-common-bond-stores-november-guest-appearances-ringo-starr-billy-joel/
  32. https://www.discogs.com/release/15599402-Tokyo-Motor-Fist-Lions
  33. https://www.frontiers.it/album/5608
  34. https://open.spotify.com/artist/4vQYEC3H6LhajmLK3nS3w5
  35. https://music.apple.com/us/album/anomaly-single/1814378755
  36. https://www.amazon.com/Sideman-Pursuit-Next-Mark-Rivera/dp/1637742991
  37. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Sideman/Mark-Rivera/9781637742990
  38. https://www.markrivera.com/book/
  39. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sideman-mark-rivera/1141448800
  40. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/edging-into-the-spotlight-when-playing-in-the-background-is-fame-enough/
  41. https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/mark-rivera-talks-billy-joel-ringo-starr-sideman-on/id1725884458?i=1000672809241
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