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
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.
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The Tragedy of Drummer & Murderer Jim Gordon: 10 Questions for Biographer Joel Selvin
Our interview with the noted music author about his 2024 book, Drums & Demons: The Tragic Journey of Jim Gordon
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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 on Playing With Keith Richards, Linda, and More
The legendary session and touring guitarist shares stories about playing with many of the stars with whom he has worked with for decades
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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: 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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