LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) Hal Blaine, 90, drummer for the studio musician lineup known as the Wrecking Crew, died today, according to an announcement on Facebook.
“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,” the announcement reads. “May he rest forever on 2 and 4. 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.”
As part of the Wrecking Crew, Blaine played on songs like the Ronettes’ “Be My Baby,” The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations,” Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers In The Night,” The Carpenters’ “Close To You,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel.
He was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2000 as a sideman and was awarded the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award last year.
“Glad to have met you, Hal, and proud to have financially supported the release of the Wrecking Crew movie,” wrote Randy Kollins. “You’ll always have a place in history thanks to your talent and Denny Tedesco for telling your story and the many others who made the soundtrack for a generation. Hope you’re jamming with Glen, Leon, Don, Joe, and all the others.”
Bill Mumy simply added, “R.I.P. sir. Thank you kindly! ✌🏻”
Blaine was honored in his hometown at Holyoke Community College’s Leslie Phillips Theater in Massachusetts Feb. 27.
h/t Billboard
