"As a songwriter, I was influenced by David Bowie - a great writer. A class above everybody in so many ways. Lennon and McCartney, of course. Class stuff. David Cousins was my favorite lyricist"

Rick Wakeman is a prominent songwriter and artist, and in this quote he is expressing his appreciation for the terrific David Bowie. He acknowledges Bowie's impact on his own songwriting, and also commemorates the iconic Lennon and McCartney. Wakeman also singles out David Cousins as his preferred lyricist, showing his appreciation for the work of other songwriters. This quote is a testament to Wakeman's respect for the craft of songwriting, and his acknowledgment of the greats who have actually come before him. It is a pointer of the value of learning from the past, and of the effect that fantastic songwriters have actually had on the music industry.