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
Remembering King Curtis, Saxophone Giant Who Was Brutally Murdered
Born Curtis Ousley, he also had his own hits like “Memphis Soul Stew” and recorded a steamy album at the Fillmore West.
Read More
Remembering Toto Drummer Jeff Porcaro
The Toto founding member was one of the most-recorded drummers ever, adding magic to whatever he played on by many major pop and rock acts.
Read More
Roger Miller: King of the Country-Pop Crossover Road
The singer-songwriter’s many hits included “Dang Me,” “King of the Road,” and “England Swings.”
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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 Louis Clark as string arranger and utilized a full orchestra in the group’s recordings.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Waddy Wachtel Interview: Linda, James, and Session Career
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.
Read More
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.”
Read More