The Music Industry
The music industry is an ever-evolving entity. It has witnessed the birth of diverse styles, such as rock, folk, punk and hip-hop among many others, and the success stories of some of the biggest names in music, including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. It is no surprise then that behind the big names, immense talent and tremendous hits are some of the most talented musicians, producers and engineers of the trade, the unsung heroes of the music industry.
Often known collectively as The Wrecking Crew, they were a group of elite session musicians that worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, lending their musical presence and accompaniment to classic hits of the 1960s and 1970s. They have been dubbed the first pop music super-session team, responsible for Legendary Songs and renowned records such as, “Be My Baby”, “These Boots are Made for Walking”, “California Dreaming” and “Good Vibrations”.
What’s interesting about The Wrecking Crew is that it actually played with and for The Beatles in the making of the classic track, “The Long and Winding Road”. The Beatles at the time wanted to avoid the over-arrangement they had used in prior works and record a more live “band” sound. As a result, they called in The Wrecking Crew to back them up, most notably Jim Gordon on the drums and Larry Knechtel on the bass.
The session itself was a rather long one and at one point legendary producer, Phil Spector even stepped in to guide it in the direction he saw fit. This is not surprising given that even back at the time he was already a Merit Award-winning producer, having worked with the likes of Ike and Tina Turner and The Righteous Brothers. His presence added a certain depth to the track and The Wrecking Crew’s accompaniment served as a bridge between sections that represented some of the Beatles’ most meaningful material.
It became an instant classic and catapulted The Wrecking Crew’s reputation into the world of rock music.Their undeniable talent and expertise enabled them to play an essential role in the creation of what was arguably one of the greatest albums of all time, “Let It Be.” While the session musicians are no longer around today, their influence persists in the work of countless acts, producers and engineers such as Jeff Bhasker, Jon Brion and Mark Ronson.
The Wrecking Crew’s Legacy
Though they weren’t stars in their own right, without a doubt, The Wrecking Crew played an integral role in the development of rock music. They were employed over and over again by some of the most influential artists of the time and their musical prowess enabled them to make some of the most memorable recordings of the era. It is only befitting then that the stories of their success and contribution to popular culture have been chronicled in documentaries such as Wrecking Crew: The Untold Story Of Rock’s Backing Musicians, which has even featured interviews with surviving members such as Carol Kaye, Delaney Bramlett and Leon Russell.
Moreover, they were the ones who gave their expertise and skills to lesser known artists, who today have become some of the most acclaimed figures in music. Developing acts such as Neil Young, Leonard Cohen and Elton John, The Wrecking Crew was a key bridge between the 1950s and the 60s counterculture, and between today’s mainstream pop acts and classic rock. Nonetheless, their presence and successive advice are still centered in the works of superstar artists such as Queen, Bruce Springsteen, and Pink Floyd.
Did The Wrecking Crew Play for The Beatles?
The fact that The Wrecking Crew was behind some of the most iconic songs in music history, a few of which included the contribution of legendary names such as The Beach Boys, is evidence enough of their strong presence within the music industry. As for The Beatles, it can be argued that the group had some of their best works with the help of The Wrecking Crew.
Before talking about their impact on The Beatles specifically, it is worth noting that The Wrecking Crew’s influence was felt through the works of many artists whose music is still greatly appreciated today. Even in the world of country, jazz, and pop music, the likes of Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra were shaped, to an extent, by their portfolio.
Did The Wrecking Crew play for the The Beatles then? Yes, but their role was most memorable or notable in “The Long and Winding Road”. The track was one of The Beatles’ last songs and the growth and transition that took place was highly significant. In any case, their contribution was valued tremendously and as it has been stated before, The Wrecking Crew was a bridge to The Beatles making some of their finest music.
Wrecking Crew’s Impact on Music
The Wrecking Crew had a great impact on music from the 60s through the 70s. They pioneered the way for an emerging culture and sound in the music industry as a whole by introducing then-futuristic production techniques and creating countless timeless hits. Without a doubt, they were a driving force in contributing to establishing sounds and fostering trends that would reach pop-culture mainstream success.
The Wrecking Crew’s impact has morphed and can be heard in today’s music, and not just in classic rock proceedings. Many contemporary musicians cite them as an influence, such as Joe Strummer of The Clash, who noted the band’s “power, precision and musicianship”. Their sound reaches far beyond what The Beatles could ever have imagined, and this power of influence that The Wrecking Crew has harnessed is an immortal habitation of inspiration.
The Wrecking Crew’s Career
The Wrecking Crew’s contribution to music and pop culture is inextricable. It was their arrangements, creativity and experience that elevated the Velvet Underground, Beach Boys, and Dylan records to new and unprecedented heights. Some of the most iconic classic songs have their roots in the Wrecking Crew’s creative vision. From loading rooms with echo chambers to using transistors instead of conventional microphones, their contributions cannot be understated.
For almost fifteen years, the session musicians behind The Wrecking Crew were unaffected by the inner workings of the music industry. They worked with whoever wished to work with them, all in an effort to contribute to the changing landscape of popular music of that era. Their individual output was so immense and their collective works so appreciated, that it was only befitting that in 2018, all members of The Wrecking Crew were posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Wrecking Crew’s Impact on Society
The contribution of The Wrecking Crew was immense and their legacy stretched over generations and various genres. They provided a level of finesse and commitment which allowed many talented artists of the time to build on their own artistic visions. As their influence continues to reverberate in the world of music, its impact can also be felt in other ways.
The album they worked on with The Beatles and many of the other songs they were involved in have been memorized, quoted, and adopted as the soundtrack of popular culture for some time, adding nostalgia and romance to film, television, and advertisements. The Wrecking Crew’s musical contributions can even be heard in other media such as cartoons, video games, and books. Their sound has shaped generations and set a precedent in terms of how music should be approached.
Conclusion
The Wrecking Crew has helped shape the soundscape of multiple decades of pop culture, bridging the gap between the sounds of the 50s and the up and coming sounds of the 70s. They were key components in the process of creating some of the most renowned classics of all time, many of which were in the rank of The Beatles’ works. The crew’s influence has become more and more evident throughout the years and reflects the versatility and continuity of classic music.
Recognized for their overwhelming contribution to the creation of the modern sonic landscape, The Wrecking Crew is, undoubtedly, one of the most influential, and important groups of all time, that will forever be remembered for
