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.
God bless Hal Blaine peace and love to all his family Goodbye Hal an incredible musician. ?✌️?❤️☮️
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) March 12, 2019
For what I'm into Hal Blaine was probably the greatest drummer of all time. In '93 I mailed him my copy of his autobiography in hopes he'd sign it. He sent it back so fast it made my head spin. A genuine good guy. This is my favorite performance of his: https://t.co/KOg34xyODG
— Jon Wurster (@jonwurster) March 11, 2019
RIP Hal Blaine.
There will never be another…
Google the hits he played on !!— Steve Lukather (@stevelukather) March 11, 2019
I’m so sad, I don’t know what to say. Hal Blaine was such a great musician and friend that I can’t put it into words. Hal taught me a lot, and he had so much to do with our success – he was the greatest drummer ever. We also laughed an awful lot. Love, Brian pic.twitter.com/vLOX3RIKc6
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) March 11, 2019
Our condolences to the family of #HalBlaine, drummer extraordinaire in the Wrecking Crew who played on many Beach Boys tracks, including "Good Vibrations," "I Get Around," "Help Me, Rhonda" & more. Love and mercy x https://t.co/SV3SCnWZ9j
— The Beach Boys (@TheBeachBoys) March 11, 2019
Hal Blaine! pic.twitter.com/3amKP4eWf2
— Mark Schulman (@markyplanet) March 12, 2019
RIP Hal Blaine, member of the wrecking crew and one of the most talented and prolific drummers to ever live. pic.twitter.com/rSmRLbeRYi
— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) March 12, 2019
I am deeply saddened about the passing of drummer, Hal Blaine. Hal played drums on the soundtrack of our lives for many of us… Worth reading: An Interview with Hal Blaine | Modern Drummer Magazine https://t.co/1FWoi0bOw2
— Micky Dolenz (@TheMickyDolenz1) March 12, 2019
A tremendous loss. I was fortunate enough to record with him one time; the same session I met @benchten. Farewell Hal Blaine, and thanks for the great music. https://t.co/H5eH0A6VoM
— rosanne cash (@rosannecash) March 12, 2019
Goodbye my old friend.see u in the next life…R.i.p. Hal Blaine pic.twitter.com/Uwedvc43BK
— Chad Smith (@RHCPchad) March 12, 2019
Saddenned to learn of Hal Blaine's passing today. As a member of the Wrecking Crew with Glen, Hal played on "Galveston," "Dreams Of The Everyday Housewife," and "Where's The Playground Susie" to name a few. RIP Hal. https://t.co/1YlpLK9T8j pic.twitter.com/z7xmAGO8jM
— Glen Campbell (@GlenCampbell) March 12, 2019
Here is a tribute to my dear friend and Drummer Man, Hal Blaine. Godspeed, Hal. ? https://t.co/3HgAyX2u9V
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) March 11, 2019