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, The Ronettes, 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... 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, The Ronettes, 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: Hal Blaine's drums can be heard as part of the Wall of Sound on The Ronettes 1963 #2 hit Be My Baby produced by Phil Spector at Hollywood's Gold Star Studios. Max Weinberg wrote " If Hal Blaine had played drums only on the Ronettes' 'Be My Baby' his name would still be uttered with reverence and respect for the power of his big beat.' " Rolling Stone magazine listed the song as #22 on The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Blaine recorded an all-instrumental album in 1965 entitled Psychedelic... less