His work can be heard on The Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra and thousands of more songs

Iconic studio drummer Hal Blaine has died at the age of 90. The drummer’s family shared the news on the studio legend’s Facebook page on Monday (Mar 11th).

“Hal Blaine – loving father of Michelle Blaine; grandfather of Anthony, Josh, Aaron, Whitney, Tempest, Ever and Lyryk; and inspiration to countless friends, fans and musicians – has passed on today, March 11th, 2019 at the age of 90. May he rest forever on 2 and 4,” they write. “The family appreciates your outpouring of support and prayers that have been extended to Hal from around the world, and respectfully request privacy in this time of great mourning. No further details will be released at this time.”

Blaine was a member of The Wrecking Crew, an elite group of first call studio musicians who can be heard on thousands of tracks throughout the 60’s and 70’s. Some of his most notable work lies with Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys and the Ronettes’ “Be My Baby.”

“Hal Blaine was a legendary session drummer whose contributions as a member of the Wrecking Crew helped propel countless hits to the top of the Billboard charts in the ’60s and ’70s,” The Recording Academy’s Neil Portnow shares. “A Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in 2018, Hal played on tracks that won the GRAMMY Award for Record Of The Year six successive times, from 1965-1970. He contributed to tens of thousands of songs throughout his career, including the Beach Boys’ ‘Caroline, No’ and Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water.’ We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow music creators.”

The drumming community — along with some musicians he’s worked with — have shared their thoughts on Blaine’s passing and his influence.