Welcome to Glen Campbell Forums
Glen's time in Lindrith New Mexico (1951-1952)

Hal Blaine, Wrecking Crew Drummer and Rock Hall of Fame Member, Dies at 90

Off-topic discussions (for registered members only)
Post Reply
User avatar
jay
Posts: 569
Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2014 6:31 am
Contact:

Hal Blaine, Wrecking Crew Drummer and Rock Hall of Fame Member, Dies at 90

Post by jay »

He was featured on the majority of Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound” productions, including the Ronettes’ “Be My Baby,” which featured perhaps the most indelible drum introduction in rock ‘n’ roll history. He also appeared on many of the Beach Boys’ best-known records (standing in for the L.A. band’s Dennis Wilson), including the classic 1966 album “Pet Sounds” and the experimental single from that same year, “Good Vibrations.”

Blaine appeared on such No. 1 hits as the Crystals’ “He’s a Rebel,” the Byrds’ “Mr. Tambourine Man,” Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night,” Simon & Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” the 5th Dimension’s “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” the Carpenters’ “Close to You” and Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were.”

The most adaptable of studio percussionists, he also cut dates such notables as Elvis Presley (on both record and movie dates), Sam Cooke, Dean Martin, Jan & Dean, Johnny Rivers, the Monkees, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, Nancy Sinatra, the Mamas and the Papas, Cher, John Denver and Steely Dan.

Blaine had fond memories of Glen...
"Glen was always the same down home country boy," Blaine recalled in an interview with The Republican from his California home. "With all of his musical accomplishments, the accolades thrown at him, and with the many musical awards thrust upon him, Glen never walked with his nose stuck up in the air. He was on cloud nine, enjoyed every bit of his fame and fortune, but always looked back to his roots and the family upbringing and family traditions from Delight, Arkansas that were always close at hand. Glen was now riding this amazing wave of stardom, but (he) always managed to never forget all of our basic music training," Blaine said. "We were looked upon as mere teenagers playing this new simple genre, that would only last a few weeks. When these aristocratic studio players finally realized what was really happening, they wanted to become a part of this new genre and not be left behind. Unbeknownst to these classical players, we were all graduates of music univesities, and were all classically trained in one way or another. We all became heroes of the industry. Producers came from all corners of the planet to record their music with The Wrecking Crew listed in the credits. Thank heavens, Glen was one of The Wrecking Crew founders. And again, thank heavens, he was the only home trained musician that didn't read a note of music, but he proved his worth with every song."


Rest in peace Hal


Post Reply