Blaine's son-in-law Andy Johnson tells The Associated Press that Blaine died of natural causes Monday at his home in Palm Desert, California. He was 90.
The session drummer was a virtual one-man soundtrack of the 1960s and '70s who played on songs featuring Frank Sinatra, the Beach Boys and thousands of others. He laid down one of the most memorable opening riffs of all time on the Ronettes'"Be My Baby." Few outside the music industry knew his name, but just about anyone with a turntable, radio or TV heard his drumming.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, and won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award last year.
WhereMyImusAt Here it is.
WhereMyImusAt Played on over 500 top 10 hits. Let that sink in for a moment! Incredible!
It's not just the opening riff, his whole track on Be My Baby is a master class.
mrpford Hal Blaine shines on a minor Nancy Sinatra hit “Drummer Man”.On You Tube. via YouTube
Which Few people know was actually a Mistake... That's not what Spectre wanted... Ended up being one of the Greatest Drum intros in music History... You're welcome...
Aww he was awesome. What a talent. Rest In Peace.
HalBlaine is a legend. As part of the WreckingCrew, he helped score the soundtrack for the 1960s and beyond. One of his many credits is PET SOUNDS by BeachBoys, one of the greatest albums ever recorded. Rest In Peace, sir. 🥁