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
The Scene: Key Players

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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The Scene: Key Players

Danny ‘Kootch’ on Recording With Carole, James, Jackson, & Don

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

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The Scene: Key Players

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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The Scene: Key Players

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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The Scene: Key Players

That Haunting Vocal On ‘Gimme Shelter’

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

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The Scene: Key Players

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 Scene: Key Players

Waddy Wachtel on Playing With Keith, Linda, Seger 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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The Scene: Key Players

Remembering Skynyrd’s Ed King: Guitarist, ‘Alabama’ Co-Writer

He co-wrote and played the signature guitar opening on the classic track. Before that he co-wrote a 1967 psychedelic favorite

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The Scene: Key Players

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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The Scene: Key Players

Waddy Wachtel Talks About Linda, James, and His Career as a Session Ace

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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