|
History of the Wrecking Crew Musicians by Alex Cosper (3/27/15) The Wrecking Crew was a group of recording industry session musicians who played on many hits in the 1960s. Based in Los Angeles, the group consisted mainly of professional musicians with formal training in jazz and classical music. They could play multiple styles and were heard on various television theme songs such as "Batman" and "Hawaii Five-O." The group also recorded commercial jingles and was used by producer Phil Spector in the early 1960s to help create his famous "wall of sound." Some of the members of the Wrecking Crew made up the house band for the TV series The T.A.M.I. Show in 1964. Many of the members played for various artists, such as Jim Gordon, who played drums for Derek and the Dominoes as well as Frank Zappa. Jim Keltner went on to tour and play drums with Ringo Starr's All Star Band and Traveling Wilburys. A documentary film about the Wrecking Crew was released in 2008. It was directed by Wrecking Crew member Tommy Tedesco's son, Denny. Tommy Tedesco is known as "The King of L.A. Session Guitarists." Here are the musicianss who played with the Wrecking Crew on various hit records: Conducter/Arranger: Jack Nitzsche Vocals: Ron Hicklin Singers Guitar: Bill Aken, Doug Bartenfeld, James Burton, Glen Campbell, Al Casey, Jerry Cole, Mike Deasy, John Goldthwaite, Rene Hall, Carole Kaye, Barney Kessel, Don Peake, Bill Pitman, Ray Pohlman, Howard Roberts, Irv Rubins, Louie Shelton, Billy Strange, Tommy Tedesco, Al Vescovo, P.F. Sloan Keyboards: Al De Lory, Larry Knechtel, Mike Melvoin, Don Randi, Dr. John, Mike Rubini, Leon Russell Bass: Max Bennett, Chuck Berghofer, Jimmy Bond, Red Callender, Carole Kaye, Larry Knechtel, Joe Osborn, Bill Pitman, Ray Pohlman, Lyle Ritz Drums: John Clauder, Hal Blaine, Jim Gordon, Jim Keltner, earl Palmer, Joe Porcaro Percussion: Frank Capp, Gary L. Coleman, Julius Wechter, Joe Porcaro Harmonica: Tommy Morgan Saxophone: Gene Cipriano, Steve Douglas, Jim Horn, Plas Johnson, Jay Migliori, Nino Tempo Trombone: Lou Blackburn, Richard "Slyde" Hyde, Lew McCreary Trumpet: Bud Brisbois, Roy Caton, Chuck Findley, Ollie Mitchell, Tony Terran Here are examples of popular recordings that feature the Wrecking Crew: The Byrds - Mr. Tambourine Man Nancy Sinatra - These Boots are Made for Walkin' Sam Cooke - Twistin' The Night Away Frank Sinatra - Strangers In The Night The Partridge Family - I Think I Love You The Mamas & The Papas - California Dreamin' Jan and Dean - Surf City The Association - Windy The 5th Dimension - One Less Bell to Answer The Beach Boys - California Girls The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations The Monkees - Last Train to Clarksville Paul Revere & The Raiders - Kicks Cher - Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves John Denver - Thank God, I'm a Country Boy Sonny and Cher - And the Beat Goes On Ronettes - Be My Baby Righteous Brothers - You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling Simon & Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Water |
© Playlist Research. All rights reserved.