Best Classic Bands | Key Players Archives

Key Players

Behind the creation of great music that lives forever are musicians whose contributions can make a critical difference in recordings and live performances. We feature those players and how their talents bring something special to the mix

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Jim Gordon: From A-List Drummer to Convicted Killer

He played on hundreds of hits but you wouldn’t find any gold records on his wall: Since the ’80s until his death in 2023, he was locked away for murder.

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Waddy Wachtel Interview: Linda, James, and Session Career

Our conversation with the guitarist who has been a “first-call” player for decades, recording and touring with such stars as Ronstadt, Taylor and Carole King.

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Danny Kortchmar on Playing With Carole, James, Jackson, & Don

Our interview with “Kootch” about his “new” band and of his phenomenal legacy as a session musician, songwriter and producer.

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The Same Musician Who Orchestrated ELO Gave Us ‘Hooked on Classics’

Jeff Lynne opted to live up to the band’s name when he hired Clark as string arranger and utilized a full orchestra in the group’s recordings.

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Sam Cooke, By Those Who Knew Him

“Sam had a big influence on anybody,” said soul singer Bobby Womack. “To me, cancer would be good if Sam gave it out. I’m serious.”

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That Haunting Female Vocal On ‘Gimme Shelter’

When you hear “Rape, murder, it’s just a shot away” on this Stones classic, does it give you chills? It’s Merry Clayton, who was just 20-years-old at the time.

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Loving ‘Cheers’ to My Late Mate, Ian McLagan

A friend praises Small Faces/Faces keyboard player for being the best rock star mate a fan might ever want and a friendly, unpretentious hail-fellow-well-met to any and all of his fans.