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
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.
Read MoreThe 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
Read MoreHugh 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.
Read MoreJoe 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.
Read MoreRemembering Tom Leadon, Founder With Tom Petty of Mudcrutch
The pair formed the band in Gainesville, Fla., as teens. One of his brothers is Bernie Leadon, a founding member of Eagles.
Read MoreCertified Pre-Owned: Unreleased Traveling Wilburys Album
A viable—make that wonderful—Wilburys album is still out there, lurking.
Read MoreRemembering David Lindley, Multi-Instrumentalist With Jackson Browne’s Band
He was the featured accompanist for Browne’s band throughout the ’70s and recorded with Linda Ronstadt, Graham Nash and David Crosby, among many others.
Read MoreMeet Session Superstar Nicky Hopkins
Do you know the music he made with a long Who’s Who list of classic rock stars? Now get to know the session keyboard musician.
Read MoreRemembering Prolific Keyboardist Paul Harris
“Paul Harris was a lovely, lovely guy. Immensely talented and creative; he was a really sweet person,” tweeted Stephen Stills.
Read MoreThe Blended Shane MacGowan: On the Death and Life of a Genius
The music of MacGowan and the Pogues is some of the most urgent you’ll ever experience. That immediacy is stunning.
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