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
Merry Clayton on ‘Gimme Shelter,’ ‘Tapestry’ and Her New Release
The singer on the Stones’ classic: “They played me the song and asked if I could put somethin’ on it…I said, ‘Stop and tell me what all this stuff means.'”
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Hugh Masekela, Jazz Trumpet Great: Unlikely Pop Star
The “Father of South African jazz” appeared at Monterey Pop, recorded with the Byrds, scored a #1 pop single and toured with Paul Simon
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Joe Vitale—Vitality: A Chat with the Master Musician
“There was so much recording going on. The music business was really alive back then,” said Vitale about the ’70s. His credits include Eagles, CSN&Y & more.
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Meet Session Superstar Nicky Hopkins
Do you know the music he made with a long Who’s Who list of classic rock superstars? Now get to know the session keyboard star
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Jim Gordon: From A-List Drummer to Convicted Killer
He’s played on hundreds of hits but you won’t find any gold records on his wall: Since the ’80s he’s been locked away for murder.
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Loving ‘Cheers’ to My Late Mate, Ian McLagan
Rob Patterson 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.
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Remembering Skynyrd’s Ed King: Guitarist, ‘Alabama’ Co-Writer
He co-wrote and played the signature guitar opening on “Sweet Home Alabama.” Before that he co-wrote a 1967 psychedelic favorite
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Remembering Toto Drummer Jeff Porcaro
Toto founding member Jeff Porcaro was one of the most-recorded drummers ever, adding magic to whatever he played on by many major pop and rock acts
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Gerry Stickells, Tour Manager For Queen, Hendrix, Dies
“I was just unemployed, basically. That’s the truth. I hooked up with Jimi Hendrix when the Jimi Hendrix Experience was formed and it just went from there”
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