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.

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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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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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Remembering 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.

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Certified Pre-Owned: Unreleased Traveling Wilburys Album

A viable—make that wonderful—Wilburys album is still out there, lurking.

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Remembering 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.

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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 stars? Now get to know the session keyboard musician.

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Remembering Prolific Keyboardist Paul Harris

“Paul Harris was a lovely, lovely guy. Immensely talented and creative; he was a really sweet person,” tweeted Stephen Stills.

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The 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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