PLEASE READ: "All music on this website is the intellectual property of the publishers. I do not have any claim on this music. i.e. 'Then He Kissed Me' is copyright to The Crystals, or Spector, I just laid down the drums!". Thanks!
Hal Blaine (b. Harold Simon Belsky, February 5, 1929, Holyoke, Massachusetts) is an American drummer and session musician.
He became a professional drummer in 1948 and joined teen idol Tommy Sands' band in the late Fifties. He was the most in-demand session drummer in Los Angeles during the Sixties and early Seventies, and a list of musicians he played with reads like a who's who of popular music. In 1961, Blaine drummed on Can't Help Falling in Love With You, one of Elvis Presley's most memorable sides, and he would play on Presley's film soundtracks throughout the Sixties.
However, Blaine's best-known affiliation is with producer Phil Spector, where he served as the percussive backbone of the Wrecking Crew — the nickname that younger studio hands on the L.A. scene bestowed on themselves after the rock-hating old-timers complained they were "wrecking the business".
He was a key component of Spector's Wall of Sound production, which yielded such classic rock and roll hits as Be My Baby by the Ronettes, and Da Doo Ron Ron by the Crystals. Blaine also established a fruitful relationship with Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson, for whom he served as the first-call session drummer. Blaine appeared on innumerable hits for them, ranging from Surfer Girl to Good Vibrations.
He also drummed on countless recordings by the cream of West Coast pop musicians, including Jan and Dean, The Mamas and the Papas, The Byrds, Johnny Rivers, The Association, Sonny and Cher, The Grass Roots, and Gary Lewis and the Playboys.
A prolific musician, he played on countless recording sessions during the 1960s and 1970s, including on songs from notable artists such as Frank Sinatra, John Lennon and Elvis Presley.
By Blaine's own estimate, he performed on thousands of recorded tracks over in a quarter century's worth of work. He published his memoirs, Hal Blaine and the Wrecking Crew in 1990.
If you have a moment, stop by TEMPEST BLAINE'S music profile. She is Hal's grand daughter and has put up a couple new singles Clearly, talent runs in the family! MY ELEVENTH FANTASY
Speaking of family members in music....
WASTELAND INC A lot of people won't have heard about Wasteland Inc. So LET'S INTRODUCE THEM. WINC are musicians Josh Blaine on bass, (Hal's grandson) Drew Beuttel on Drums and Alexei Moore on Electric piano and vox who hail from all over the states.
They perform a brand of music known as 'Treak' which is a mixture of several musical styles curved to suit a healthy appetite for great taste in music!
'Rock Star Fantasy' will be the first of many albums Wasteland Inc plan to release from their own label and the first 'side show' entry in their dark Rhapsodic story. This demo is slated to release in May 2009 and will mainly be used to increase their local fan base and keep their local fans happy with some new work before they return from their first tour. The beats are very much like standard punkish songs that have been put together effectively but at a low cost. Their freshman release is filled with hard fought skill and musicianship with a large breadth of composition set within a very, challenging setting.
Check them out! Let them know what you honestly think! They love hearing from you.
-mb
You're invited to our all-new FOREVER 5th DIMENSION ANNIVERSARY EDITION as we celebrate both our first year of our globally popular Blog-Magazine and more importantly, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.'s 40th Wedding Anniversary!! Join the fun & festivities with rare photos, celebrity wishes, and even take "The Marilyn & Billy Name that Tune Challenge!"
We'll also link you to our latest YouTube featuring the un-vaulted version of "Soul & Inspiration" as part of our tribute to the dynamic duo! It's all at the Blog section on my page...see ya there...and THANKS for your support, enthusiasm and friendship this past year...
You are truly part of a full-circle "Up-Up & Away" blessing,
Hey Hal.....this is PLASTIC EP lead singer from THE EP's...Melbourne, Australia....we just want you to know your work on the Monkees hits are a big inspiration to us....YOU ARE A LEGEND !!
A new CD "Brave New World" will be on sale soon at CDBaby, iTunes, Rhaphsody and Napster. Check out new songs on my page. Guitar players everywhere will like "Feels like a Gun".
Was great to see you on Sunday! Thanks for all your great advice and for helping connect the dots on all the old pictures and records I had. You are so inspiring and I hope to see you again very soon!
Hello Hal. Thanks for the add. Always great drumming. From one drummer to another. I like the music (M11F). God Bless You and your Family. Benny G. (benGMusic).
Hi Hal... Love the music on your site. We've been influenced by you musically a lot.. hope you'll drop by and listen to our brand new song, "October Conversation".. Have a great weekend!!
WINC are musicians Josh Blaine on bass, (Hal's grandson) Drew Beuttel on Drums and Alexei Moore on Electric piano and vox who hail from all over the states.
They perform a brand of music known as 'Treak' which is a mixture of several musical styles curved to suit a healthy appetite for great taste in music!
