Carol Kaye, the iconic bassist known for her work with the legendary studio musicians of AFM Local 47 Hollywood, has made a bold decision regarding her recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Despite being named in the Class of 2025 alongside legendary artists like The White Stripes, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, and Cyndi Lauper, Kaye has chosen to decline her ‘Music Excellence Award.’
Kaye, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday on March 24th, has been a pillar in the music industry, especially known for her role in shaping the sound of the '60s and '70s. Her work as part of the session musicians, often referred to as the “Wrecking Crew,” played a vital role in creating countless pop hits. However, Kaye has long expressed discomfort with the term “Wrecking Crew,” believing it to be demeaning and failing to reflect the high level of work done by herself and her peers.
In a recent Facebook post, Kaye explained her decision to decline the award, stating that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s recognition did not adequately represent the collaborative spirit of her career as a session musician. She emphasized that being a part of a team, rather than a solo artist, was crucial to her work. “You are always part of a TEAM, not a solo artist at all,” she wrote. “There were always 350-400 studio musicians working in the busy 1960s, and that was who we were, not ‘wreckers.’”
Kaye reflected on her unique path to becoming a session musician. She had been a jazz guitarist before accidentally finding herself playing bass in 1963 during a session when another bass player didn’t show up. With no formal bass experience, Kaye, an accomplished jazz musician, quickly invented bass lines that worked, which led to her becoming a vital part of the sound of some of the biggest artists of the era, including Sam Cooke.
Her refusal to accept the Rock Hall induction is rooted in her belief that the process doesn’t reflect the truth of the teamwork and respect that defined her career. Kaye’s message serves as a reminder of the often-overlooked contributions of session musicians, who, despite playing key roles in the production of timeless music, are sometimes left in the shadows of the limelight.
Carol Kaye is not the first musician to decline induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Other artists, including the Sex Pistols, Axl Rose, and Dolly Parton (who later changed her mind), have made similar decisions. Kaye’s stand is a powerful statement about the importance of respecting the work and collaborative efforts that go into creating great music, regardless of who receives the individual accolades.
Through her career, Kaye has left an indelible mark on the music industry, not only for her technical expertise but for her unwavering commitment to the spirit of collaboration. As she continues to stand by her principles, she reminds us all that greatness isn’t always measured by individual awards but by the impact made when people work together towards a common goal.
Credit to Carol Kaye for sharing her thoughts on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and her dedication to honoring the legacy of session musicians.
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