Who were the members of The Wrecking Crew?

The Wrecking Crew was a loose collective of Los Angeles session musicians in the 1960s and 70s. Key members included Hal Blaine (drums), Carol Kaye (bass), Tommy Tedesco (guitar), Glen Campbell (guitar), and Leon Russell (keyboards).

Why were they called The Wrecking Crew?

The name was allegedly coined by drummer Hal Blaine. The older, suit-wearing studio musicians felt these younger, casually dressed rock and roll players were 'wrecking' the music industry with their new sound.

What hit songs did The Wrecking Crew play on?

They played on thousands of hits, including The Beach Boys' 'Good Vibrations', The Ronettes' 'Be My Baby', Simon & Garfunkel's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', and Frank Sinatra's 'Strangers in the Night'.

The Ghost Band: The Wrecking Crew

Genre: classic rock, pop, soul, 60s, surf rock, folk rock, wall of sound

January 31, 2026

Meet the Wrecking Crew: Los Angeles' secret weapon. They were the most prolific, invisible, and influential session band in the entire history of pop music.

Tracks

1. Be My Baby — The Ronettes
2. River Deep – Mountain High — Ike & Tina Turner
3. Mr. Tambourine Man — The Byrds
4. These Boots Are Made for Walkin' — Nancy Sinatra
5. The Beat Goes On — Sonny & Cher
6. Good Vibrations — The Beach Boys
7. Wouldn't It Be Nice — The Beach Boys
8. California Dreamin' — The Mamas & The Papas
9. Wichita Lineman — Glen Campbell
10. Bridge Over Troubled Water — Simon & Garfunkel

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