Larry Knechtel's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Larry Knechtel was an American keyboard player and bassist who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s as a highly sought-after session musician. Born on August 4, 1940, in Bell, California, Knechtel quickly made a name for himself in the music industry with his exceptional talent and versatility on the keyboard and bass guitar. His contributions to numerous hit songs and albums have solidified his legacy as a pivotal figure in the world of rock and pop music.

Knechtel's career took off when he joined the famed group, "The Wrecking Crew," a team of session musicians who were responsible for creating the iconic sound of many chart-topping hits during the 1960s and 1970s. His mastery of the keyboard and bass guitar made him a go-to musician for recording artists and producers, and he soon became one of the most in-demand session players in the industry. His ability to effortlessly adapt to various musical styles and genres, including rock, pop, jazz, and R&B, earned him the reputation of being a versatile, reliable, and innovative musician.

One of Knechtel's most notable contributions came in 1970 when he played a pivotal role in the success of the Grammy Award-winning single, "Bridge Over Troubled Water," by Simon & Garfunkel. As a member of The Wrecking Crew, Knechtel's distinctive piano performance on the track has been lauded as one of the greatest in the history of popular music. His emotive and masterful playing added a layer of depth and soul to the song, elevating it to iconic status and showcasing his exceptional talent as a keyboard player.

Knechtel's versatility as a musician was further showcased by his work with the band Bread, where he played a crucial role in their commercial success. As a member of Bread, Knechtel's contributions as a bassist and keyboard player were integral to the band's sound, helping to create a string of chart-topping hits and solidifying their status as one of the most successful soft rock bands of the era. His ability to seamlessly switch between instruments and adapt to the evolving musical landscape of the time spoke to his adaptability and skill as a musician.

In addition to his work with Simon & Garfunkel and Bread, Knechtel's impressive list of credits as a session musician includes collaborations with renowned artists such as The Beach Boys, The Byrds, Elvis Presley, and The Mamas & the Papas, among many others. His distinctive playing style and musical intuition made him a sought-after collaborator, and his contributions to countless hit songs have left an indelible mark on the popular music of the 1960s and 1970s.

Knechtel's legacy as a pioneering musician extends beyond his accomplishments in the studio. His influence on future generations of keyboard players and bassists is immeasurable, and his innovative approach to music continues to inspire aspiring musicians to this day. His ability to infuse emotion and depth into his playing set a new standard for the role of the keyboard and bass guitar in popular music, and his impact on the industry is still felt by musicians and fans alike. Larry Knechtel's remarkable career and lasting contributions have cemented his status as a legendary figure in the world of rock and pop music.