Mark Rivera
Mark Rivera 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
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
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, 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.
In 2014, Rivera released his first solo album, Common Bond, which includes appearances by Joel, Starr, Nils Lofgren and Steve Lukather. The song "Money Money Money" was a finalist for 2014's Coolest Song in the World on Little Steven's Underground Garage.
In February 2023, Rivera released his autobiography, Sideman: In Pursuit of the Next Gig.