The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / Wrecking Crew Member Refuses Rock Hall Of Fame Honour

**Posted by RadioActive** June 19, 2025 10:13 am

You may not instantly know the name Carol Kaye. But you've almost certainly heard her work. She's a bass guitarist who was a member of the Wrecking Crew, the back-up musicians who have played on literally hundreds and hundreds of classic hits.

Among them:

-Wichita Lineman
-You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
-These Boots Are Made For Walkin'
-The Beat Goes On
-Then He Kissed Me
-Sloop John B
-Rhythm Of The Rain
-River Deep, Mountain High
-Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head
-Midnight Confessions
-I Am A Rock
-Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves and
-California Girls

And that's just a very short list.

With that kind of resume, it's no surprise that Kaye has been voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, an honour that's long overdue. Except she won't be there and has no intention of accepting the nomination. Her explanation for why is as remarkable as her resume.

**Posted by 67GreenRambler** June 19, 2025 1:24 pm

Listeners of The Gumbo Kitchen with Ronnie Littlejohn know the story here. He was on the phone with her (or was it email? can't remember) trying to arrange an interview and made the innocent mistake of saying "wrecking crew" and got a strong reaction and no interview.

**Posted by Doug Thompson** June 21, 2025 10:51 pm

I interviewed Carol Kaye in the late 1980's at her home, which at the time was in Canyon Country, a good hour's drive from LA. I made sure NOT to mention the term 'wrecking crew' as I knew she didn't like it. She was a wonderful person, gracious, modest, but honest about her success in the studio. Some of her bass parts, like "Wichita Lineman" are legendary and she came up with that in the studio. It was several hours spent with a humble legend. Carol even got her bass out and played me some of her parts. She also told me she was flown to Toronto to play on Motherlode's hit, "When I Die". I totally understand her position on the Hall of Fame, but she does deserve to be honoured there.

Last edited by Doug Thompson (June 21, 2025 10:51 pm)