A renowned bass player and pianist, known for his work as a member of the Wrecking Crew, a group of elite session musicians who played on numerous iconic recordings of the 1960s and 1970s. He won a Grammy for his arrangement of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" .
Larry Knechtel was a renowned American keyboard player and bassist who left an indelible mark on the music industry as a member of the legendary Wrecking Crew, a group of elite session musicians based in Los Angeles. With a career spanning over four decades, Knechtel worked with a plethora of iconic artists, including Simon & Garfunkel, the Beach Boys, the Doors, and Elvis Presley, to name a few.
Born on August 4, 1940, in Bell, California, Knechtel began his musical journey with piano lessons at a young age. He joined the Los Angeles-based rock and roll band Kip Tyler and the Flips in 1957, followed by a stint with instrumentalist Duane Eddy as a member of his band the Rebels in 1959.
Knechtel's association with Phil Spector led to his involvement in the creation of Spector's signature "Wall of Sound." As a member of the Wrecking Crew, Knechtel played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of numerous hit songs during the 1960s and 1970s. He also recorded the album The In Harmonica under the pseudonym Larry Nelson, featuring backing by other Wrecking Crew members.
In 1970, Knechtel won a Grammy Award for his outstanding piano work on Simon & Garfunkel's chart-topping hit "Bridge over Troubled Water." He also made significant contributions to other notable records, including Johnny Rivers' 1972 hit "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu."
In 1971, Knechtel joined the soft rock band Bread, following the departure of Robb Royer. He remained with the band until its initial split in 1973 and later rejoined for subsequent reunions and comebacks.
A multi-instrumentalist, Knechtel was proficient in playing the harmonica, guitar, and bass, as evident in his work on the Byrds' "Mr. Tambourine Man" and Barbra Streisand's "Stoney End." His musical prowess earned him a spot in the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2007.
Knechtel's contributions to the music industry were not limited to his technical skills alone. He brought a sense of humility and dedication to his craft, earning the respect of his peers and the admiration of generations of music enthusiasts.
Knechtel's work with the Wrecking Crew and other notable artists has had a profound impact on the development of popular music. His legacy continues to inspire musicians and music lovers alike, ensuring his place in the annals of music history.
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