Hal Blaine

Hal Blaine (born Harold Simon Belsky 5 February 1929, Holyoke, Massachusetts) is an American drummer and session musician. He is most known for his work with the Wrecking Crew in California. Blaine played on numerous hits by popular groups, including Elvis Presley, Simon & Garfunkel, The Carpenters and the Beach Boys. Blaine is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. A little known Grammy Awards record is held by Blaine who played on 6 consecut... more

Hal Blaine (born Harold Simon Belsky 5 February 1929, Holyoke, Massachusetts) is an American drummer and session musician. He is most known for his work with the Wrecking Crew in California. Blaine played on numerous hits by popular groups, including Elvis Presley, Simon & Garfunkel, The Carpenters and the Beach Boys. Blaine is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. A little known Grammy Awards record is held by Blaine who played on 6 consecutive Record of the Year winners: Blaine recorded an all-instrumental album in 1965 entitled Psychedelic Percussion with Paul Beaver. Its 12 tracks each represented one month of the year. In 1965, the Beach Boys and Dean Torrence of Jan and Dean recorded an off-the-cuff cover version of The Regents' 1961 hit song, "Barbara Ann". It was released as a 45 rpm single and on the Beach Boys Party LP in 1965. During the hectic instrumental break, one of the singers can be heard shouting off-mike, "It's Hal and His Famous Ashtrays!". This is a reference... less