Best Classic Bands | Key Players Archives

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

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.

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.

The Scene: Key Players

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

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

The Scene: Key Players

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

The Scene: Key Players

Danny Kortchmar on Playing 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

The Scene: Key Players

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

The Scene: Key Players

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.